The American Health Care Act was introduced on Monday, March 6. This legislation repeals portions of the Affordable Care Act and makes drastic changes to federal obligations under the Medicaid program, permanently capping payments regardless of cost and shifting risks to states, providers, and beneficiaries. Under this proposal, every state would lose federal funding, forcing states to cut back on services for populations covered by Medicaid and on reimbursements to providers.

LeadingAge has issued a statement expressing our strong objections to the changes to the Medicaid program and increased costs to seniors and near-seniors. Our issue brief on Medicaid has been updated, and more information is available from the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. LeadingAge has also developed talking points you can use to talk to policymakers and media.

Members are encouraged to:

• Write to your members of Congress today and urge them to oppose the American Health Care Act. LeadingAge has included a sample letter that you can edit and send directly.
• Call your members of Congress. We’ve set up a toll-free number to help connect you directly to your lawmakers’ offices directly.
• Share this information with your residents and clients and suggest that they participate as well. The proposed changes will directly affect them.

Steps for calling your lawmakers

• Dial this toll-free number, 866-793-3004. You will be prompted to enter your zip code to get connected to your lawmakers. Feel free to use the sample script below.
• The automated system will first connect you to your Representative’s office. Leave a message with the staff person who answers the phone.
• After talking with the staff person, do not hang up. Allow the staff person to hang up, and the automated system will then connect you to your Senators.

Sample phone script
“Please ask the Representative/Senator to oppose any legislation that would fundamentally change Medicaid’s financing structure. I oppose per capita caps because they would hurt many people and families who need long-term services and supports. 70% of people who turn 75 will, at some point, need long-term services and supports. Medicaid is the largest payer.
Please oppose changing Medicaid to per capita caps when our senior population is rapidly growing. It is the wrong policy at the wrong time.”