Why reinvent the wheel? ASAN already has this great resource to help you understand Medicaid, no matter which state you live in.
Category: Advocacy
H.R. 620 – Should you take action?
The Disability community is calling far and wide for people to take action against H.R. 620, saying that it is a bill that “fundamentally weakens the protections of the American with Disabilities Act.” Here are some resources to help you determine if it affects you or someone you love, as well as resources to help you to take action!
Does this affect you or someone you love?
- What is the issue?
- Another overview of the issue
- Read the bill itself.
- See which organizations have united to oppose it.
- Myths & Truths
- Where is the bill in the process?
- Watch a Representative’s comments in the House floor. (below)
Take action!
A link originally shared by Disability Rights Arkansas gives these tips:
“Please contact your House Representative(and others from your state) and encourage them to stay strong in their opposition to H.R.620 and any “notice and cure” bill, as a rollback of civil rights. SAVE THE ADA!
- Go to Contacting Congress using your zip code to find out how to reach your House representative via e-mail, phone, Facebook, Twitter, fax, etc.
- Call your Representative using the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121. They will help you find your Representative’s name, and switch you to their office. If you know your Representative’s name, you can use the House of Representatives phone list.
Sample Script:
“Hello, my name is [your name]. I’m a constituent from [your state], zip code [your zip code]. I am opposed to H.R. 620 and any change to the equal access protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I strongly encourage Representative [add last name] to oppose any reform efforts. Thank you.”
Reasons To Oppose H.R.620:
- H.R. 620 would weaken the civil rights of people with disabilities, making it harder for us to use the same restrooms, shop at the same department stores, and eat at the same restaurants as our non-disabled friends, family members, and peers.
- Disability rights are civil rights. The ADA is a civil rights law. H.R. 620 would not only roll back important parts of the ADA, it would pose risks for other civil rights laws as well (such as Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars public accommodations such as hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues from discriminating based on race; Title III of the ADA was based on this law).
- H.R. 620 would not solve the problems its supporters are claiming it would fix. It would not stop fraudulent lawsuits. State courts and state bar associations are already equipped to address those problems, in better ways, without denying anyone equal access, or their civil rights. They have been successfully shutting down those bad practices in many areas.” More info
Tax Reform Bill: How to Contact AR Senators
Watch the video above to get all of the contact information to get contact information and tips.
Other helpful links:
- Up to date information
- How this bill could affect you
- Watch the Senate debate and vote
- How to get through to your Senator
- Contact information for all AR Congressmen
- Contact any US elected official
https://www.npr.org/templates/event/embeddedVideo.php?storyId=567758536&mediaId=567762951
Are you thankful for Medicaid?
Author: Lainey Morrow, Medicaid Saves Lives’ Founder
It’s customary this time of year to count our blessings, and there’s one in particular that millions of Americans shouldn’t forget: Medicaid.
If you’re a recipient (or know a recipient), think for a second what your life would be like without Medicaid.
My little girl qualifies for TEFRA because of her diagnosis, and she’s thriving because Medicaid gives her treatments like therapy and medicines that we simply can’t afford. Medicaid not only helps her day-to-day, but it’s also giving her a future where she may someday be able to live on her own and provide for herself. Because of Medicaid, she can climb stairs, say that she wants a drink, draw a line, feed herself with a spoon, and sit quietly with other students around a table. When I think of life without Medicaid, I see many who would be crushed under personal debt and suffering without hope.
If you’re thankful for Medicaid, please tell those who make our state and national policies, especially if you need to continue receiving it.
This is the perfect time of year to let our lawmakers know that we’re thankful for Medicaid. Why? Because it’s improving and even saving lives! I ask you to take a moment, and write your elected officials a note. Even better, include a photo. Tell them why Medicaid is important to you. If writing several is overwhelming, just start with one.
You can also post on social media about why Medicaid is important to you using the hashtag #thankful4Medicaid to help others see why Medicaid is so important.
We need to tell everyone the great things that Medicaid does and who it helps. People need to hear this positive message. By sending notes, calling, and posting on social media, we are clearly communicating that we still need Medicaid, and we’re directly asking the people in charge to continue funding Medicaid for us.
Let’s flood our government with letters and calls this holiday season!
Arkansas Only
- Contact AR State Senators and Representatives
- Contact AR Federal congressmen
Contact any elected official in the US!
Take Action: Graphic to Share
The news changes like the wind. Are they voting or aren’t they? Repeal and replace or repeal without replace? No matter what’s happening with them, we need to continue to make our needs and wants abundantly clear.
Many are saying that they can’t get through to Senators via phone calls. Don’t stop calling because they are counting the calls. 866-426-2631
However, social media is a great way to publicly contact your Senators, especially since they won’t post their direct email addresses.
Share this graphic with them and tag them in your posts. Use hash tags like #BCRA or #ProtectOurCare to help others see your posts!
ASAN Advocacy Training Resource
With the looming Medicaid cuts, people want to learn how to get involved and fast! This training resource is from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. You may be advocating for a different condition, but the information they’ve gathered here is very valuable for everyone.
Their page gives a whole list of information and strategies to effectively take action when advocating for yourself or a loved one.
- A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Getting Through to your Elected Officials
- Fact Sheet: How to Call Your Elected Officials
- Fact Sheet: In-Person Meetings with Elected Officials
- Fact Sheet: Sending Elected Officials Emails, Letters, and Faxes
Get to work!
Medicaid Saves Lives 