Apr 15, 2025
Congress recently passed a blueprint for upcoming changes in the federal government budget. The next step will be for the House of Representatives and the Senate to draft legislation that meets the target spending limits that were included in the blueprint. The process to make these changes is called reconciliation. Each legislative committee was given spending targets that this year included massive spending cuts.
In order to offset the tax breaks proposed by the Administration, the current budget must be reduced by trillions of dollars. For example, the House Energy and Commerce Committee has been given a directive to cut $880 billion from programs which that committee oversees. Medicaid is one of the programs for which the Energy and Commerce Committee is responsible. To accomplish a $880 billion reduction, Medicaid support would have to be drastically cut.
The major funding source for SUD treatment in America is Medicaid. While we recognize that not all our members accept Medicaid patients, if it is dramatically cut, it would put pressure on the entire treatment system in the country.
Congress has taken a two-week recess. They will be spending time in their districts and states, meeting with constituent groups. You might have the opportunity to meet with your Congresspeople. Please ask your members of Congress to protect Medicare. If you don’t meet with them personally, please email or call and leave a message simply asking them to protect Medicaid which provides coverage to millions of Americans and literally saves lives.
Find your Congressional Representative/Senator's contact details
CONTACT YOUR MEMBERS. You can call their direct lines, listed on their webpages through the links above, or you can call the US Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 where an operator will assist you. If you are unable to speak directly with anyone in your Member’s office, leave a voicemail or send an email. You may use this sample message:
I am a constituent from Senator/Representative _____’s state/District calling to urge them to protect Medicaid. Cuts to this program would cause millions of Americans nationwide to lose vital health care coverage and would be especially harmful to people in need of substance use and mental health care. I strongly urge the Senator/Member to protect this lifeline and oppose cuts or harmful policy changes that would threaten people's ability to access lifesaving care.
These critical funding decisions will be made over the coming few weeks. The opportunity to impress Congress with your view on Medicaid is NOW. Please take action to protect a vital piece of the SUD treatment infrastructure.
