[Nfbmo] {Disarmed} Fw: Tell Congress to protect health care programs in deficit reduction planning!

[McMahon, Cory J]

Families USADear all,

This program is so vital, particularly to those of us who rely so much on its benefits! Please distribute this information to others!

Sincerely,

Cory McMahon

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Amy Smoucha, Families USA 
To: cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com 
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2012 2:57 PM
Subject: Tell Congress to protect health care programs in deficit reduction planning!



                  Dear Advocate,

                  Thanksgiving break is over, and it's time for Congress to grow our middle class, strengthen our economy, and add jobs. 

                  Our leaders also have to make some tough decisions when it comes to deficit reduction. But while some in Congress have made it clear that they will support a balanced approach, there are many who believe deficit reduction should be achieved through drastic cuts to essential health care programs that millions of Americans rely on for their health care needs. It's up to us to tell them: That's not what Americans want.

                  Email your elected officials TODAY and tell them to protect health care in the deficit reduction fight!

                  Congressional leaders are pushing to complete a deficit deal by the end of the year-that's just 32 days away. With such a short window, we must act fast. 

                  There's no question that it's important for our nation's leaders to address our fiscal health and work to reduce our nation's budget deficit. But, just as important is how our elected officials accomplish this goal. We need to make it clear that deficit reduction should not come at the expense of essential programs like Medicaid. The fact is there is little to cut in Medicaid, and cutting funding only means cuts in care for the most vulnerable Americans-seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income children. 

                  Just how many would be affected?

                    a.. More than 15.6 million seniors and people with disabilities rely on Medicaid for long-term care and other services not covered by Medicare. Federal Medicaid cuts would force states to reduce services to millions of vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities.


                    b.. Nearly half of all Medicaid enrollees are children who rely on it for their basic health care needs-like seeing a doctor. Cutting Medicaid would force states to reduce these services, leaving millions of children without access to basic care. 
                  With so many vulnerable people relying on Medicaid, it begs the question, why would some in Congress focus on cutting this vital program? Are there no other options? No, there is a fairer way.

                  Congress can extend tax cuts to 97 percent of American families and 98 percent of small businesses, while eliminating tax cuts for the wealthiest 2 percent. Why put the burden of deficit reduction on hard working middle-class families, instead of making the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share? We can achieve balanced deficit reduction that will build the middle class, strengthen the economy, and create jobs all while preserving vital health care programs. 

                  It is necessary for Congress to create a plan to reduce our nation's deficit, but we cannot allow them to do it at the expense of vital health care programs. Please email your elected officials TODAY and tell them you want a balanced approach to deficit reduction that protects our health care programs!

                  Thank you,

                  Amy Smoucha
                  Field Director
                  Families USA



                    


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