Sixty years ago (on July 30, to be exact), Medicaid was signed into law with a simple idea: no one should go without health care just because they are poor. And for six decades, it has served as a lifeline for children, families, and communities. Today, approximately 37 million children in this country are covered by Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This represents roughly half of all children in the country. These programs have ensured that our children have access to routine and vital check-ups, access to necessary medications, and important mental health services.
Yet, as Medicaid turns 60, Congress just handed it the largest cuts in program history—$1 trillion. This will mean millions of unfilled prescriptions, millions of children dealing with preventable illnesses and chronic diseases, and millions of families fearful of emergency room visits that are no longer covered. What’s even more disturbing? Your policymakers voted to use these cuts to pay for tax breaks for the wealthy. They believe big corporations matter more than the millions of children who rely on these vital programs. Voting for the budget reconciliation package was a vote to take a step back in our mission to ensure every child is free to experience joy, laughter, and boundless possibilities while contributing to a prosperous and thriving society.
Now is the time to call and tell them: protect children’s health care, protect Medicaid, and CHIP!