Medicaid funding is the life-blood for providing community services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) here in Colorado. Currently, the Federal government pays for a percentage of the total cost of Medicaid services. However, this week the Senate released a draft of its version of the American Health Care Act, called the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017, which aims to transform the way Medicaid works. This Act would change Medicaid to a per capita cap program, which would set a limit on the amount of federal funding each state would receive. Over time, this change would mean that Colorado would receive less Medicaid funding, and that could lead to fewer people receiving services, and less funding for those that do receive services. In addition, Colorado would have a difficult time increasing the State portion of Medicaid funding to make up for Federal cuts, as tax increases must be approved by voters, and the state budget must remain balanced.
We at Imagine! Innovations urge the members of our community, regardless of your political leanings, to voice opposition to this Act. Call your Senators and urge them to vote against this Act to help protect community services for people with I/DD here in Colorado!
Cory Gardner: (202) 224-5941
Michael Bennet: (202) 224-5852
