Speak Out: Federal Joint Committee Talks about Cutting Medicaid, Including Aid to Children and Families
In July, President Obama and Congress established a 12-member, bipartisan committee – the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction or “Super Committee” – to look at ways to reduce the $2 trillion federal deficit. The charge of the Super Committee is to recommend $1.3 trillion in cuts over the next 10 years. Their deadline for recommendations to Congress is November 23.
Some members of the federal joint committee want cuts to Medicaid, including aid to children and families.
Proposed Cuts to Medicaid
Although Medicaid and Medicare benefits were originally exempt from cuts, both Republicans and Democrats on the Committee have introduced proposals that include drastic cuts to these benefits. The Democrats recommend $80 billion in cuts to Medicaid, while the Republicans propose slashing $1.2 trillion from spending, including deep cuts to Medicare beneficiaries and providers.
California spends $14 billion on Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program. The majority of the children and families served by EMQ FamiliesFirst rely on Medi-Cal for their mental health care treatment.
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. Medicaid is the federal program that provides medical assistance to individuals and families with low income, including pregnant women, dependent children, seniors, and persons with disabilities who have no other health insurance. It is matched by our state Medi-Cal program.
What You Can Do - Act Now
The committee has less than one month to complete its work, and it’s imperative that they hear from people like you who care deeply about services and treatments that impact the well-being of our children and families.
So, what can you do?
For More Information
If you have additional comments or questions, please contact Eva Terrazas, Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs, or call her at (408) 628-5596.
Thanks for all you do to help make
the lives of children and their families
healthy and safe.
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