The Medicaid program provides a lifeline of support for millions of low-income Americans who need mental health care. Importantly, many of the services and benefits that Medicaid covers enable individuals to remain in their homes and communities instead of costly institutions.

The Bush Administration has recently issued a series of regulations aimed at dramatically reducing Medicaid spending. Of most concern, three of these regulations would significantly narrow coverage of rehabilitative, case management, and school-based services for children.

Your immediate help is needed to ensure that community based mental health providers are able to continue to provide flexible, community-based services to individuals and their families.

There is a concern among the House leadership that the President might veto their inclusion of all seven Medicaid moratoria in the supplemental appropriation bill that will be voted on this Friday, June 6. It’s imperative that both Targeted Case Management and the Rehab Option be included in the moratoria!

Action:

• Call Wendell Primus, Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s Health Policy Advisor, at 202-225-0100
• Call Michelle Varnhagan, Representative George Miller’s House Education and Labor Committee Staff, at 202-225-3725
• State your name, city where you are calling from. Be sure to say: “It is imperative that all 7 regulations (including the Rehab option and Targeted Case Management) be included in the supplemental appropriation bill.”

Ten seconds of your time could make the difference for the poorest children in our community. Please make a call today.