Legislative Advocacy September 23, 2011

Continuing Economic Crisis Economic outlook has worsened – state revenue forecast was down $1.4 billion Budget reductions are the order of the day: –Governor instructed state agencies to provide two reduction scenarios: 5% cuts and 10% cuts –Timing of cuts are uncertain: could be part of next year’s budget or could be sooner

State Level Threats Legislators are already eyeing for elimination: –Basic Health –Disability Lifeline –Medicaid adult prescription drugs –Apple Health for Kids –Eligibility –Cost-sharing –Oral health care, including for pregnant women and ABCD

Federal Level Threats Proposals to change the Medicaid program would impact our Medicaid patients and may undermine the financial stability of every health center. Federal support for the expansion of health centers has already been reduced and further reductions could dramatically impact existing health centers.

Federal Level Threats Congressional Super Committee Everything is on the table Funding Possible policy changes – Stability Protections (Maintenance of Effort/MOE) Eligibility Benefits and cost-sharing Potential impact for CHIPRA Performance Bonus Award for Washington?

Together we are louder

Advocacy Worked in 2011 While our communities are feeling the pain of budget cuts that did occur... We ended up in a better position at the end of legislative session than where we began: – We protected Disability Lifeline Medical – Basic Health was preserved – Children’s Health Program remained an entitlement – Community health centers remained viable

Current Advocacy Opportunities Writing and publishing op-eds and letters to the editor – national call in day October Story gathering

Story Gathering Why? Bringing the i mpacts of cuts on real people to life is the best tool we have to convince legislators, the media and the public. Which stories? – Basic Health patients – Disability Lifeline clients – Medicaid patients – Adults receiving dental care – Dedicated Providers – Children and Families For more details… Contact Katie Hewitt: and Lan Nguyen:

Questions? Contact information: Katie Hewitt: Lan Nguyen: