Call to Action: Contact Your Member of Congress & U.S. Senators Today

As has been mentioned in previous posts, political leaders in Washington are discussing options for raising the nation’s debt ceiling limit by August 2^nd and cutting federal spending to address the deficit. Medicare and Medicaid are under consideration for substantial spending cuts, including reducing the federal Medicaid matching rate to the states, and limiting or eliminating the Medicaid hospital provider fee that supports expansion of coverage to the uninsured and the hospitals that care for the medically vulnerable.

As you know, Medicare and Medicaid are essential to rural healthcare providers and communities. The proposed cuts will severely compromise access to healthcare for rural residents and hamper local economies that depend on healthcare providers for jobs and economic development. Colorado’s Congressional delegation needs to hear from you about the importance of Medicare and Medicaid to rural Colorado. Please take five minutes today or no later than Wednesday July 13 to contact Senator Bennet, Senator Udall, and your Representative with this message: “Please protect Medicare and Medicaid as you consider changes and cuts in the federal budget. Rural communities rely on these programs and significant cuts will threaten access to care and economic growth in rural Colorado.” Feel free to personalize your message with how Medicare and Medicaid impact your community. 

You can contact your legislators by phone and email: 

Senator Michael Bennet, 202.224.5852

Senator Mark Udall, 877.768.3255

Capitol Switchboard, 202.224.3121 (ask for your Representative's office and to speak with the staff who handles health issues)

Click here for a list of Colorado's members of Congress and email addresses for their healthcare staff. If you don't know who represents you in Congress, click here and enter your zip code.

Thank you for your calls and emails. Please contact Sara if you have any questions and we will post updates on the budget negotiations as they are available.