Action Center Update: Proposed Medicaid Reforms Bad for Jewish Community

Proposed Medicaid Reforms Bad for Jewish Community

"A program that more than 50 million children, adults with disabilities and older Americans depend upon for support with their health and long-term service needs is under attack in Washington. Medicaid, just like Medicare, is part of the fabric of this nation's health and we must not allow it to be unraveled." These are the words of William Daroff, Jewish Federations of North America's Vice President for Public Policy.

More than 50 million children, adults with disabilities and older Americans depend on the federal Medicaid program. For these people, Medicaid is the principal source of long-term service and health care. Opponents of Medicaid have proposed block granting funds to the states or capping Medicaid spending. Either change would have a disastrous impact on the Jewish community's ability to take care of its neediest members. Medicaid would cease to be an entitlement. Costs would be pushed to states and previously covered individuals would be denied care. Non-profit care providers would be unable to bridge the large gaps created by a block grant.

Both proposals would cause a sharp decrease in Medicaid spending that would also result in cuts to long-term, home and community-based care. The loss of services could make individuals more dependent on the unpaid support of family caregivers or lead to unnecessary institutionalization.

In our local community, 65% of older adults in nursing homes depend on Medicaid. If the proposed cuts are enacted, $1.6 billion will be lost and more than 38,000 jobs will be put at risk.

Please take a moment to let Washington's House delegation know you oppose changes to Medicaid that put our community's safety net at risk.

Unilateral Recognition of a Palestinian State Coming in September

Rather than pursue negotiations aimed at creating two states -- one for Israelis and another for Palestinians -- the Palestinian leadership is preparing to propose a resolution at the September session of the United Nations General Assembly, which would call for the unilateral recognition of an independent Palestinian state.

Past agreements have always held the way to achieve peace and a two-state solution was through direct negotiations. President Obama has rejected this unilateral approach, acknowledging the only way to achieve a sustainable peace is through direct negotiations.

In addition to the Obama Administration's attempt to manage the issue at the United Nations, the United States Congress is considering resolutions in both chambers urging the Obama Administration to lead diplomatic efforts opposing a unilateral declaration of statehood. They also reaffirm the importance of a negotiated peace for the two viable states.

As this issue develops over the next few months, we will keep you informed of ways you can help prevent this dramatic step from becoming reality.