In Congress, the “super committee” is debating how to cut $1.2 trillion from the federal budget over the next ten years. Severe reductions in Medicaid funding have been put at the top of their cut list. We must urge our Senators and Representatives to take a balanced approach to reducing the deficit and reject proposals that hurt the most vulnerable members of our community.

Medicaid provides a safety net for low-income children and pregnant women, aging parents and grandparents, and people with disabilities within our communities. More than 1 in 10 Asian Americans and 1 in 7 Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are enrolled in Medicaid. Many more stand to gain from the hard-won improvements to the program through health care reform. Cuts to Medicaid would endanger the life and health of millions of Americans by cutting off their access to care and would have devastating effects throughout the health care system, impacting everyone even those not enrolled in the program.

We can’t let this happen. Take action today!

Please join the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum and other national organizations to let Congress know that it’s simply unacceptable to balance the budget on the backs of vulnerable Americans.

Sample Email:

Dear Member of Congress,

I strongly urge you to reject any attempts to cut Medicaid funding or alter this vital public program. Families and communities of color would be disproportionately impacted by cuts to critical health programs like Medicaid.

Medicaid provides a safety net for 60 million of the most vulnerable Americans – including children, pregnant women, seniors and people with disabilities. More than 1 in 10 Asian Americans and 1 in 7 Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are enrolled in Medicaid. Many more stand to gain from the hard-won improvements to the program through the Affordable Care Act. Cuts to Medicaid would endanger the life and health of millions of Americans by cutting off their access to care and would have devastating effects felt throughout the health care system.

Cutting the federal Medicaid program would simply shift the costs to [STATE], and to families in your district who are struggling to make ends meet. We must reduce the deficit, but not at a higher price to vulnerable populations and those least able to shoulder the cost. Please support a balanced approach to reducing the nation’s deficit by increasing revenue and defend against devastating cuts to Medicaid.

Sincerely, [YOUR NAME]