"I have a disabled son with autism and Medicaid is extremely important for his health and mental health. It is a much-needed program. Please don't cut this much-needed human right!" 
- Marta from North Brunswick, NJ

Marta isn’t alone in having Medicaid coverage for her family: 72 million Americans have access to healthcare through Medicaid. At the same time, children across our nation are increasingly facing a mental health crisis, a crisis which will only get worse if Republicans in Congress go forward with their proposal to cut $880 billion from Medicaid. [1]

Tell Congress: Medicaid cuts hurt kids and families! When you click, you’ll automatically sign on if we already have your information.

What’s happening? House Republicans are currently working to slash Medicaid funding in order to pay for tax cuts for billionaires and wealthy corporations. [2]  These cuts would have a negative impact on half of all U.S. children who get their health insurance through Medicaid. This program is a lifeline for millions of children and families who get their health and mental healthcare through Medicaid. [3]  Our tax dollars should go to helping kids—not making the rich richer!

SIGN NOW: Tell Congress that the mental health of kids shouldn’t be sacrificed to give even more tax breaks to billionaires. Say NO to Medicaid cuts!

Moms and families across the country know how important healthcare access through Medicaid is, and they also know how devastating cuts would be. The positive impact of Medicaid for millions of families and our economy cannot be denied. It helps fund essential services like mental health counseling and therapy in schools, which are often the very first place children receive mental health support. School-based Medicaid programs provide many kids with their only access to the vital health services and care students need to ensure that they have the foundations for success in school and beyond. Children with Medicaid are also more likely to receive preventive care that keeps them healthy including routine checkups. [4] 

Cutting Medicaid also hurts our economy. A Congressional Budget Office study showed that children with just one more year of Medicaid coverage grow up to earn more and demonstrate increased productivity as adults, strengthening the broader economy. [5] Research also shows that expanded Medicaid eligibility at birth correlates with improved academic performance, specifically higher reading scores in both 4th and 8th grades. [6] Medicaid also plays a vital role in finding learning problems early through school-based screenings, helping students succeed academically. It also supports programs that improve attendance by addressing health issues that keep students out of class. And almost 70% of school districts use Medicaid funding to pay for the salaries of health professionals, services, and equipment needed by students with disabilities, ensuring they receive proper support for effective learning. [7]

We must protect this vital healthcare program! Congress needs to know how crucial Medicaid is to ensuring kids get the support they need to thrive.

When you click on our action link, you’ll automatically sign on to our petition that reads:

Dear Rep. Casten and Sens. Durbin and Duckworth: 

We urge you to take action to protect Medicaid funding so children can grow, learn, and thrive—and so the economy can be protected at the same time.

Medicaid boosts not just children, but also our economy. In fact, a Congressional Budget Office study showed that children with just one more year of Medicaid coverage grow up to earn more and demonstrate increased productivity as adults, strengthening the broader economy. Research also shows that expanded Medicaid eligibility at birth correlates with improved academic performance, specifically higher reading scores in both 4th and 8th grades. 

The list of economic benefits that happen when children have access to Medicaid is long.

On the other hand, if Medicaid funding is cut, then millions of children will suffer from not being able to get the mental and physical healthcare they need—and our economy will be negatively impacted too. For instance, mental health challenges among children and teens are rising, yet barriers to care are increasing too. We urge you to defend Medicaid and protect children. Our children’s futures depend on it.

We have worked together to protect healthcare and Medicaid before, and we’ve won—and we won’t give up now. Children and families need us to speak out and speak loud about why Medicaid matters! The more people who take action, the bigger our impact, so consider taking a moment to share our action link with your friends and family: https://action.momsrising.org/sign/medicaid-mental-health/

Thank you for taking action to protect the mental health and wellness of millions of kids who rely on Medicaid! Together we are a powerful voice for the health of families.

P.S.– Have a moment? Call Congress now to ask for no cuts to Medicaid: https://actionnetwork.org/call_campaigns/tell-your-representative-to-protect-medicaid/