(Sacramento, CA – July 31, 2017) Congress could not find a majority to repeal parts of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or cut Medicaid. The proposals in Congress would have impacted health care for up 32 million people and cut more than $800 billion from Medicaid. This victory is a testament to the tireless efforts of disability rights groups and countless individuals. This is what happens when we unite to educate lawmakers.

Our work is not done

There are many reasons to remain vigilant and to continue to educate the California congressional delegation. We must remind them of how important the ACA and Medicaid are to Californians with disabilities. Cuts to Medicaid could come in different federal legislation such as the federal budget, a tax bill, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) bill. Threats to the ACA or Medicaid could occur through not promoting enrollment, not enforcing the individual mandate to purchase health insurance, or giving states more leeway to experiment with Medicaid in destructive ways.

What you can do

Thank California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris whose leadership against the harmful proposals helped this victory. Let them know, as well as your congressional representative, how important Medicaid and the ACA are to you. Call upon Congress to work together to improve health care for all—not take it away. 

Tell your story 

Telling lawmakers your story about how cuts will impact you is one of the most powerful things you can do. DRC will be starting a tell-your-story campaign soon—stay tuned for more information on how you can help!