Before Congress recesses for the Thanksgiving holiday, it will work to pass budget reconciliation legislation that could result in significant cuts to the Medicaid program. On November 3, the Senate passed a budget reconciliation bill that includes a Medicaid funding increase for the Gulf states of LA, AL and MS, and the Family Opportunity Act, legislation that would allow middle-income families with disabled children to buy-in to Medicaid. This week, the House will vote on a budget bill that could cut the Medicaid program by over $45 billion over ten years. The bill proposes increases in cost sharing for Medicaid beneficiaries and would eliminate coverage for health care services, including targeted case management services for disabled people. It would also allow states to reduce eligibility for Medicaid's Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit for children in favor of cash accounts that would provide catastrophic-only, high deductible coverage. The EPSDT benefit provides low-income and disabled children with comprehensive mental services.

The AACAP is concerned that many House Representatives are not aware of how important Medicaid's EPSDT program is to the health of low-income and disabled children. We have heard that when this bill is voted on this week, there will likely be amendments to the House reconciliation bill that will protect Medicaid funding and EPSDT eligibility. ACTION: AACAP members and friends are asked to contact their House Representatives to address these concerns about the current House Budget reconciliation bill and request their support for any amendments to the budget reconciliation bill that would protect Medicaid's EPSDT benefit for all low-income and disabled children. Call 1-202-224-3121 to reach the Capitol Switchboard and give your zip code if you do not know the name of your House Representative. When connected to the office, ask for the Health Legislative Assistant.

If you leave a voicemail message, include your name and phone number. A sample message is as follows:
"I am a constituent and a practicing child and adolescent psychiatrist from (your town), and I am calling to share my concern about the current budget reconciliation bill before the House, specifically the cuts to Medicaid and its Early and Periodic Screening, diagnosis and Treatment program eligibility. I urge Rep.___ to protect Medicaid's EPSDT program in the budget reconciliation bill. The EPSDT benefit provides comprehensive health services, including mental health care, for low-income and disabled children and families. Without the EPSDT program, many of these children will not receive the healthcare that they need. Please support amendments to the budget reconciliation bill that maintain the EPSDT benefit for all low-income and disabled children in state Medicaid programs."

After you have talked with your Representative's office, please email the AACAP office at nmoore@aacap.org.

Please visit the AACAP website at www.aacap.org and click on legislation. If you have questions or would like more assistant in contacting your member of Congress, please call 800. 333. 7636, ext. 126, or e-mail Nuala Moore at nmoore@aacap.org.