Legislation & Politics

Letter to members of the House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce opposing the Chairman's budget reconciliation mark

October 25, 2005

Dear Representative:

On behalf of the 1.4 million members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME.), I am writing to oppose the Chairman's budget reconciliation mark. In our view, the Chairman's proposal contains cuts that are very likely to cause harm to the millions of low-income Americans who rely on Medicaid for their health coverage.

There can be no more graphic display of the misguided and immoral priorities of the House of Representatives' leadership than this package of cuts which is being justified in the name of fiscal responsibility to reduce budget deficits caused by huge tax cuts for large corporations and the wealthy.

In particular, we object to the provision in the Chairman's proposal which would permit states to increase significantly the amount that Medicaid beneficiaries must pay out of pocket for premiums or co-payments for health care services, including prescription drugs. A longstanding body of research demonstrates that when cost sharing is increased significantly for low-income people, their use of essential health care services decline and their health status worsens.

Moreover, the Chairman's mark would allow states to restrict covered benefits for many Medicaid beneficiaries, including preventive care for many children covered under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) program. The result is that many near-poor children could be denied coverage for various medical services.

Now is not the time for these major cuts in this vital safety net program. In the aftermath of Katrina, this program should be strengthened not undermined. AFSCME strongly urges you to oppose the Chairman's mark.


Sincerely,

Charles M. Loveless
Director of Legislation

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