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Legislative Advocacy. September 23, 2011. Continuing Economic Crisis. Economic outlook has worsened – state revenue forecast was down $1.4 billion Budget reductions are the order of the day: Governor instructed state agencies to provide two reduction scenarios: 5% cuts and 10% cuts
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Legislative Advocacy September 23, 2011
Continuing Economic Crisis • Economic outlook has worsened – state revenue forecast was down $1.4 billion • Budget reductions are the order of the day: • Governor instructed state agencies to provide two reduction scenarios: 5% cuts and 10% cuts • Timing of cuts are uncertain: could be part of next year’s budget or could be sooner
State Level Threats • Legislators are already eyeing for elimination: • Basic Health • Disability Lifeline • Medicaid adult prescription drugs • Apple Health for Kids • Eligibility • Cost-sharing • Oral health care, including for pregnant women and ABCD
Federal Level Threats • Proposals to change the Medicaid program would impact our Medicaid patients and may undermine the financial stability of every health center. • Federal support for the expansion of health centers has already been reduced and further reductions could dramatically impact existing health centers.
Federal Level Threats • Congressional Super Committee • Everything is on the table • Funding • Possible policy changes – • Stability Protections (Maintenance of Effort/MOE) • Eligibility • Benefits and cost-sharing • Potential impact for CHIPRA Performance Bonus Award for Washington?
Advocacy Worked in 2011 While our communities are feeling the pain of budget cuts that did occur . . . We ended up in a better position at the end of legislative session than where we began: • We protected Disability Lifeline Medical • Basic Health was preserved • Children’s Health Program remained an entitlement • Community health centers remained viable
Current Advocacy Opportunities • Writing and publishing op-eds and letters to the editor • www.SaveOurCHCs.org • national call in day October 13 • www.SaveHealthCareinWA.org • www.ChildrensAlliance.org • Story gathering
Story Gathering Why? Bringing the impacts of cuts onreal people to life is the best tool we have to convince legislators, the media and the public. Which stories? • Basic Health patients • Disability Lifeline clients • Medicaid patients • Adults receiving dental care • Dedicated Providers • Children and Families For more details… Contact Katie Hewitt: katie.hewitt@chpw.org and Lan Nguyen: lan@childrensalliance.org
Questions? Contact information: Katie Hewitt: 206-652-7107 katie.hewitt@chpw.org Lan Nguyen: 206-324-0340 lan@childrensalliance.org