{"id":8128,"date":"2025-02-13T08:19:47","date_gmt":"2025-02-13T14:19:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/?p=8128"},"modified":"2025-02-13T08:26:55","modified_gmt":"2025-02-13T14:26:55","slug":"important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\/","title":{"rendered":"Important Medicaid Supports Need Our Support"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-soc-teaching.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-8132\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-soc-teaching-200x300.png\" alt=\"Yellow background with a white text quote about healthcare commitment by ELCA.\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-soc-teaching-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-soc-teaching-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-soc-teaching-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-soc-teaching-250x375.png 250w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-soc-teaching-233x350.png 233w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-soc-teaching.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>Proposed cuts to Medicaid advancing in Congress threaten the wellbeing of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbpp.org\/research\/health\/medicaid-per-capita-cap-would-harm-millions-of-people-by-forcing-deep-cuts-and\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">millions of vulnerable Americans<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. We have a critical opportunity to raise our voices and share our values and experiences that shed light on the valuable role Medicaid fills. Proposed cuts would have far-reaching impact, potentially hampering the work of our ministries that serve low-income children, seniors and individuals with disabilities. ELCA social teaching emphasizes both fiscal responsibility and moral obligation (see ELCA social statement <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elca.org\/faith\/faith-and-society\/social-statements\/economic-life\"><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All<\/span><\/i><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">). These\u00a0 principles can work together to strengthen our healthcare system while responsibly stewarding taxpayer resources.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWe of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have an enduring commitment to work for and support health care for all people as a shared endeavor. Our commitment comes in grateful response to God\u2019s saving love in Jesus Christ that frees us to love and seek the wellbeing of our neighbor.\u201d &#8211; ELCA Social Statement <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/resources.elca.org\/faith-and-society\/health\/\"><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Caring for Health: Our Shared Endeavor.<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #4b0082\">UNDERSTANDING THE PROPOSED CHANGES<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Among a menu of cuts that could be introduced in the 119<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Congress as soon as this spring, the most concerning proposals include:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559991&quot;:720,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"0\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Converting Medicaid to a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbpp.org\/research\/health\/medicaid-per-capita-cap-would-harm-millions-of-people-by-forcing-deep-cuts-and\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">block grant system<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Under block grants, federal funding would be capped, with states receiving only a fixed amount of federal Medicaid funding, irrespective of states\u2019 actual costs. This would potentially lead to reduced coverage and benefits, increased state taxes, or reduced funding for schools and local services as states search for alternative ways to fund the program.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559991&quot;:720,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Giving states broader authority to cut benefits and restrict eligibility.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559991&quot;:720,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Expanding existing <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/medicaid\/issue-brief\/medicaid-work-requirements-current-waiver-and-legislative-activity\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">work requirements<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> for vulnerable populations.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-blog-pullquote-1-1.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-8134\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-blog-pullquote-1-1-200x300.png\" alt=\"Quote on a yellow background with black quotation marks.\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-blog-pullquote-1-1-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-blog-pullquote-1-1-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-blog-pullquote-1-1-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-blog-pullquote-1-1-250x375.png 250w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-blog-pullquote-1-1-233x350.png 233w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-blog-pullquote-1-1.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559991&quot;:720,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lowering reimbursement rates for targeted groups, such as children and pregnant mothers, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/stateline.org\/2024\/12\/05\/9-states-poised-to-end-coverage-for-millions-if-trump-cuts-medicaid-funding\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">triggering immediate cuts<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> to families in nine states and potentially more.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For detailed analysis of these proposals, we encourage you to review resources from:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559991&quot;:720,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/crsreports.congress.gov\/product\/pdf\/R\/R43357\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Medicaid: An Overview<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8221; from the Congressional Research Service\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559991&quot;:720,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbpp.org\/research\/topics\/medicaid-and-chip\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">2025 Budget Stakes: Millions Could Lose Health Coverage or See Costs Rise<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8221; from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559991&quot;:720,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.kff.org\/medicaid\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Medicaid and Work<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8221; from the Kaiser Family Foundation<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559991&quot;:720,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"7\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ELCA social statement <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elca.org\/faith\/faith-and-society\/social-statements\/health-care\"><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Caring for Our Health, Our Shared Endeavor<\/span><\/i><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #4b0082\">URGENT CONCERN ABOUT PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITY<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Deeply troubling reports indicate that new Administration officials <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2025-02-05\/musk-s-doge-team-mines-for-fraud-at-medicare-and-medicaid-agency\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">may be accessing Medicaid databases<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> without proper authorization. This raises serious concerns for individuals and organizations such as Lutheran social ministry service providers, including:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559991&quot;:720,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"0\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Potential freezing of vital funding to states and beneficiaries.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559991&quot;:720,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Compromise of sensitive beneficiary information.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559991&quot;:720,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Violation of established procedures for database access and constitutionality.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559991&quot;:720,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Disruption of healthcare delivery for millions of Americans for whom the support is essential.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #4b0082\">OUR ACTIONS AS PEOPLE OF FAITH MATTER<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 1. Use the Partner Action Alert to contact your elected official.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-blog-pullquote-1.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-8130\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-blog-pullquote-1-200x300.png\" alt=\"Yellow rectangle with text about inviting Congress members to discuss Medicaid impacts, framed by large black quotation marks.\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-blog-pullquote-1-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-blog-pullquote-1-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-blog-pullquote-1-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-blog-pullquote-1-250x375.png 250w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-blog-pullquote-1-233x350.png 233w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-blog-pullquote-1.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Please consider taking action on an advocacy alert from the ELCA\u2019s social ministry partner, Lutheran Services in America (LSA), on the vitality of Medicaid.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0d8\" data-font=\"Wingdings\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Wingdings&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0d8&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Go directly to the LSA Advocacy Alert, \u201cUrge Your Lawmakers to Protect Medicaid and Oppose Cuts and Caps,\u201d <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lutheranservices.org\/take-action\/#\/10\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">here<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, or select it from <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">ELCA.org\/advocacy\/actioncenter<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The LSA network reaches one in 50 people in America each year, and it brings the collective power of its national network and strategic partners together in new ways to advance innovation and achieve a healthier, more equitable future for all people in America.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 2. Attend the upcoming ELCA Advocacy webinar, \u201cUnderstanding Medicaid Cuts: A\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Lutheran Response,\u201d for updates.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Registration will open soon for a Thu., March 6 webinar with key leaders from the Lutheran community. Watch socials @ELCAadvocacy and our ELCA Advocacy Connections e-news for the link.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 3. Coalition Action Opposing Harmful Medicaid Cuts.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Our ELCA advocacy team and partners are working together to make our elected officials aware of the impacts of proposed Medicaid cuts. In addition to your letters and local efforts, an opportunity is being organized for your social ministry or congregation to sign together a letter to members of Congress. As details finalize, look for announcements in the ELCA Advocacy Connections e-news.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 4. Directly Connect with your Elected Official\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Consider inviting your member of Congress to your congregation or social ministry to discuss or illustrate the impacts Medicaid will have on your ministries and your community. Guidance in the \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/elcamediaresources.blob.core.windows.net\/cdn\/wp-content\/uploads\/Virtual_visits_advocacy.pdf\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Virtual Visits<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201d guide among ELCA resources will help you get prepared.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #4b0082\">IMPORTANT TIME TO ACT<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In our households, communities and ministries, we know many of us will face serious consequences of changes to federal Medicaid policy. It is an important time to act. Together, we can make a difference in protecting this vital program.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For more information or assistance with any of these action items, please contact our advocacy team at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/elcacwo.sharepoint.com\/sites\/advocacy\/Shared%20Documents\/Drafts%20for%20Shared%20Editing\/washingtonoffice@elca.org\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">washingtonoffice@elca.org<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Proposed cuts to Medicaid advancing in Congress threaten the wellbeing of millions of vulnerable Americans. We have a critical opportunity to raise our voices and share our values and experiences that shed light on the valuable role Medicaid fills. Proposed cuts would have far-reaching impact, potentially hampering the work of our ministries that serve low-income [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":304,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1400],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8128","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-post"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Important Medicaid Supports Need Our Support - ELCA Advocacy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Important Medicaid Supports Need Our Support - ELCA Advocacy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Proposed cuts to Medicaid advancing in Congress threaten the wellbeing of millions of vulnerable Americans. We have a critical opportunity to raise our voices and share our values and experiences that shed light on the valuable role Medicaid fills. Proposed cuts would have far-reaching impact, potentially hampering the work of our ministries that serve low-income [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"ELCA Advocacy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-02-13T14:19:47+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-02-13T14:26:55+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-soc-teaching.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"joeychin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"joeychin\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"joeychin\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/834532e58a049e1740503b91cf564158\"},\"headline\":\"Important Medicaid Supports Need Our Support\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-02-13T14:19:47+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-02-13T14:26:55+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":763,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/41\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/medicaid-soc-teaching-200x300.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Post\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\\\/\",\"name\":\"Important Medicaid Supports Need Our Support - ELCA Advocacy\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/41\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/medicaid-soc-teaching-200x300.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-02-13T14:19:47+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-02-13T14:26:55+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/834532e58a049e1740503b91cf564158\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/41\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/medicaid-soc-teaching-200x300.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/41\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/medicaid-soc-teaching-200x300.png\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Important Medicaid Supports Need Our Support\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/\",\"name\":\"ELCA Advocacy\",\"description\":\"Advocacy ministries of the ELCA want to share stories and your voices about public policies and relevant advocacy issues that are of interest to you.\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/834532e58a049e1740503b91cf564158\",\"name\":\"joeychin\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/60bc259be5cf8a77f97eb37819c5e03211703cef54349bff4ab5a876191e3198?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/60bc259be5cf8a77f97eb37819c5e03211703cef54349bff4ab5a876191e3198?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/60bc259be5cf8a77f97eb37819c5e03211703cef54349bff4ab5a876191e3198?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"joeychin\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/author\\\/joeychin\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Important Medicaid Supports Need Our Support - ELCA Advocacy","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Important Medicaid Supports Need Our Support - ELCA Advocacy","og_description":"Proposed cuts to Medicaid advancing in Congress threaten the wellbeing of millions of vulnerable Americans. We have a critical opportunity to raise our voices and share our values and experiences that shed light on the valuable role Medicaid fills. Proposed cuts would have far-reaching impact, potentially hampering the work of our ministries that serve low-income [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\/","og_site_name":"ELCA Advocacy","article_published_time":"2025-02-13T14:19:47+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-02-13T14:26:55+00:00","og_image":[{"width":800,"height":1200,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-soc-teaching.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"joeychin","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"joeychin","Est. reading time":"4 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\/"},"author":{"name":"joeychin","@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/#\/schema\/person\/834532e58a049e1740503b91cf564158"},"headline":"Important Medicaid Supports Need Our Support","datePublished":"2025-02-13T14:19:47+00:00","dateModified":"2025-02-13T14:26:55+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\/"},"wordCount":763,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-soc-teaching-200x300.png","articleSection":["Post"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\/","url":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\/","name":"Important Medicaid Supports Need Our Support - ELCA Advocacy","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-soc-teaching-200x300.png","datePublished":"2025-02-13T14:19:47+00:00","dateModified":"2025-02-13T14:26:55+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/#\/schema\/person\/834532e58a049e1740503b91cf564158"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-soc-teaching-200x300.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/02\/medicaid-soc-teaching-200x300.png"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/important-medicaid-supports-need-our-support\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Important Medicaid Supports Need Our Support"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/#website","url":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/","name":"ELCA Advocacy","description":"Advocacy ministries of the ELCA want to share stories and your voices about public policies and relevant advocacy issues that are of interest to you.","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/#\/schema\/person\/834532e58a049e1740503b91cf564158","name":"joeychin","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/60bc259be5cf8a77f97eb37819c5e03211703cef54349bff4ab5a876191e3198?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/60bc259be5cf8a77f97eb37819c5e03211703cef54349bff4ab5a876191e3198?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/60bc259be5cf8a77f97eb37819c5e03211703cef54349bff4ab5a876191e3198?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"joeychin"},"url":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/author\/joeychin\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8128","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/304"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8128"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8128\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8139,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8128\/revisions\/8139"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8128"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8128"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8128"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}