We don't know exactly when it will be finalized, but the *federal budget and deficit deal* is taking shape. We don't know the details, but we are confident that harmful Medicaid and Medicare cuts are on the table.

It is reported that the President and Members of Congress of BOTH parties are considering cuts to benefits and/or shifts in costs to Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries as part of the negotiations. Medicaid is particularly vulnerable.

Our voices are needed! Please call the President and CA’s Senate and Congressional Leaders NOW!

• ·President Obama (toll-free comment line, call from 9-5 EST: 1-888-245-0215 – this number is being used by several groups for budget advocacy)
• ·Senate - Feinstein
• · House - Pelosi (CA), Bilbray (San Diego), Lungren (Amador/Sacramento), Dreier (W. Covina), Costa (Fresno), Cardoza (Modesto)

Sample Messages:  Families and communities of color in California would be disproportionately impacted by cuts to critical safety net programs, like Medicaid.  Medicaid is a lifeline for millions of people and the building block of improvements passed in health reform.  Proposals to cut Medicaid – from block grants to blended rates – only shift costs to states, providers and beneficiaries, and harm a lot of people along the way. They would take us a giant step backward just as we need to be taking steps forward to implement health reform and help people hit by the recession to get back on their feet.  Medicaid and other programs for low-income families and individuals must be protected, and revenues must be included in the final budget deal.

The April Kaiser Health Tracking Poll indicated that 85% of Americans either oppose reductions or support only minor reductions to Medicaid. In fact, in reviewing the polling data, Kaiser Family Foundation President Drew Altman said:  "The big surprise in [the April] tracking poll is that one group who does not want to cut Medicaid is the American people." But our members of Congress don't know this unless we tell them!

For more information check out the following websites:
· Coalition for Human Needs – scroll down the page on this helpful website for a Toolkit for Advocates – includes archived webinars on budget issues and other helpful resources.
· Center on Budget and Policy Priorities – lots of great data and analysis. Including an analysis of Medicaid blended rates.
· Georgetown Center for Children and Families also has a great blog on Medicaid blended rates.

Thank you!