ARCIL, Inc. - ISSUE ALERT

JANUARY 2006

 

CONGRESS WILL CUT SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

In December, Senate and House negotiators worked out the differences between their respective budget cuts, agreeing on $40 billion in cuts to programs that help people with disabilities, children and families.  These programs include Medicaid, student aid, child support enforcement, and foster care.

The House passed the budget cuts by a vote of 212 to 206. The Senate passed the budget by 51 to 50, with Vice President Dick Cheney casting the tie-breaking vote.

Under current law, all people who qualify for Medicaid programs must receive all the medical services that Medicaid pays for - hospital charges, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and others.

Texas is one of the states that has asked Congress for "flexibility" to cut Medicaid services.   The proposed budget will allow states to restrict or ration services to people receiving Medicaid.  Congress is giving Texas and other states permission to stop paying for some Medicaid services or make you pay part of the cost.

This budget is not final.  There is still an opportunity to TELL CONGRESS WHAT YOU THINK!

What You Can Do:

1) Check how your Senators and Your Representative voted.

2) Call your Senators and Your Representative. (202-224-3121).

To find out how your representative voted, or to learn more about the 2006 Budget Resolution, known as S. 1932 -

Check these websites and click on "Legislation" then "Roll Call Votes":

http://clerk.house.gov             www.senate.gov

Check for ACTION ALERTS on www.arcil.com or call for more information:

John Meinkowsky
ARCIL, Inc.
512 832-6349
johnm@arcil.com