Threat to North Threat to North

Carolina’s HealthCarolina’s Health

What’s the Crisis?What’s the Crisis?

Federal budget -- cuts

looming

What’s the Crisis?What’s the Crisis?

Health care on the

chopping block

What’s the Crisis?What’s the Crisis?

$45 billion net cut over

10 years

Structural

changes?

$60 Billion Cut from $60 Billion Cut from MedicaidMedicaid

President’s rationale for 10 year, $60 billion cut:

1. Changes to how states raise Medicaid matching dollars

2. Tightening eligibility rules for nursing home and long-term care

3. Changing the way Medicaid pays for prescription drugs

$15 Billion “Reinvested”$15 Billion “Reinvested”

1.Outreach and enrollment for children

2.Extending expiring programs

3.Changes in long-term care

Structural Changes?Structural Changes?

Federal cap for so-called “optional” beneficiaries?

1.Reduced flexibility

2.Shifts costs to North Carolina

3.Coverage cutbacks

How Do These Federal How Do These Federal Medicaid Cuts Hurt North Medicaid Cuts Hurt North

Carolina?Carolina?

Shift

enormous

costs to

North

Carolina

How Do These Federal How Do These Federal Medicaid Cuts Hurt North Medicaid Cuts Hurt North

Carolina?Carolina?

Many – particularly children and seniors – may lose access to health coverage

How Do These Federal How Do These Federal Medicaid Cuts Hurt North Medicaid Cuts Hurt North

Carolina?Carolina?

Bad medicine

for North

Carolina’s

economy

Can This Train Can This Train Wreck Be Wreck Be Stopped?Stopped?

STOP

The Battleground is in Washington!

Between now and March 7 is the best time to reach our Senators!

NC’s Senators Are KeyNC’s Senators Are Key

Senator Elizabeth DoleSenate Russell Building Rm 120 Washington, DC 20510

Phone: (202) 224-6342

Senator Richard BurrSenate Dirksen Office Building 40CWashington, DC 20510

Phone: (202) 224-3154

How Can You Take How Can You Take Action?Action?

Contact Senators Burr and Dole by phone or mail:

Tell Them:

1. Don’t cut Medicaid

2. Don’t make changes like spending caps or block grants

Other Ways to Get Other Ways to Get InvolvedInvolved

• Share a story with the local news media

• Write a letter to the editor

• Get involved with local health advocacy groups

• Share this presentation with others

For More InformationFor More InformationNorth Carolina Health Access

Coalition

www.ncjustice.org/health (919) 856-2568

North Carolina Fair Share

ncfslrw@aol.com (919) 786-7474

Families USA’s Medicaid Action Center

www.familiesusa.org/medicaidaction (202) 628-3030

 Center on Budget & Policy Priorities

www.cbpp.org (202) 408-1080