| Department of Government Affairs Prepared by Nuala Moore, Dep. Dir. Gov't Affairs Kristin K. Ptakowski, Dir. Gov't Aff. and Clinical Pract. 1.800.333.7636 or www.aacap.org |
2nd Session 109th Congress Legislative Update January 31, 2006 |
Tomorrow, February 1st, the House of Representatives will vote on a budget reconciliation bill that could make substantial cuts to Medicaid and allow states to eliminate comprehensive mental health services for children. The budget reconciliation bill was passed by the House in December, but due to technical changes made to the bill in the Senate, it has been referred back to the House for another vote. We now have another chance to prevent the Medicaid provisions from being passed if enough House moderates vote against the bill. Participate in National Mental Health Call Congress Day by calling your House Representative TODAY and TOMORROW to request a no vote on the Budget Reconciliation bill, S. 1932.
Specifically, the bill would allow states to eliminate Medicaid’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit for children in favor of State Children’s Health Insurance Programs (SCHIP), many of which do not provide comprehensive mental health services.
ACTION: AACAP members and friends are asked to contact their House Representatives today and tomorrow to urge them to vote against the Budget Reconciliation bill, S. 1932. Call 1-202-224-3121 to reach the Capitol Switchboard and ask for your House Representative, or give your zip code if you do not know the name of your 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 urge Rep.___ to protect Medicaid’s EPSDT program in the budget reconciliation bill, S. 1932. The EPSDT benefit provides comprehensive health services, including mental health care, for low-income and disabled children and families. I urge Rep. ___ to vote against the budget reconciliation bill to ensure that these children continue to receive the comprehensive health care that they need.”
After you have talked with your Representative’s office, please email the AACAP Central Office at nmoore@aacap.org.
Please click here to learn more about the AACAP’s legislative agenda, including the priority workforce shortage legislation, the Child Health Care Crisis Relief Act, H.R.1106/S.537. If you have questions or would like more assistance in contacting your member of Congress, please call 800. 333. 7636, ext. 126, or e-mail Nuala Moore at nmoore@aacap.org.
