SSWAA Action Alert!
Michigan Association of School Social Workers
SAVE MEDICAID: Protect Vital Healthcare Services in Schools
Background: The Senate is set to debate its version of health care reform the last week in June, with a vote possibly on June 30. Most of the Republican senators have not even seen the proposed language.
Any attempts to cut Medicaid – the structure or the amount of money committed – would impact the ability of students with disabilities and students in poverty to receive many critical health services that enable them to learn. Services – including speech-language pathology, occupational and physical therapy, mental and behavioral health services, school nurse services, vision and hearing screenings, diabetes and asthma management, and durable medical equipment – are reimbursable through Medicaid for eligible students.
SSWAA is on record opposing ANY changes to Medicaid!
1. Take action NOW to stop America’s most vulnerable children from losing vital healthcare services in schools. This bill is moving!
- Call your Senators and urge them to reject legislation that reduces Medicaid and places arbitrary caps on how much Medicaid funding a child receives: Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121. If you don't know who your senators are, go to www.senate.gov!
- You can also EMAIL your Senators through their websites – Either Google their names or go to www.senate.gov and link to their websites.
2. If you call, ask for the staff person who handles Health issues...or give this message to the receptionist who answers the phone. If you write, use these points in your message.
- As a constituent and a school social worker (student/professor/administrator, etc.) in (School District, university, etc.), I oppose the passage of the American Health Care Act, including ALL cuts to Medicaid. Rather than close the gap and eliminate the rate of uninsured children in America, changes to this vital program will negatively affect health care for America’s most vulnerable children and undermine the ability of school districts to meet the educational needs of students with disabilities and students in poverty.
- I am especially concerned about the lack of transparency in this process. There have been no hearings on the bill, and this bill will likely be voted on with little or no notice to the public.
- I strongly oppose any attempts to carve out coverage just for individuals with disabilities. Medicaid must be maintained for all eligible children, youth, and adults!
- Children represent 46% of all Medicaid beneficiaries yet represent only 19% of the costs. Currently, $4-5 billion flow to school districts every year, so they can make sure students with disabilities receive the supports they need to learn, and students who can’t get to a doctor regularly can receive basic medical care so they can learn and thrive. The current proposal will jeopardize students' ability to receive comprehensive care at schools and create barriers to access.
- INSERT YOUR PERSONAL MESSAGE!
- "Thank you."
Michigan Association of School Social Workers
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