Testimonies from Utah Parents
Children will lose access to coverage and care because of Medicaid cuts in the ACA Repeal Bill.
The ACA Repeal bill proposes to slash $880 billion in Medicaid funding. These cuts and caps would decimate the Medicaid program and lead to:
- Thousands of Utah children without health coverage
- Cutbacks to critical health services & benefits for children, people with disabilities and seniors
- Limited access to needed medical care
Currently 63% of all Utah Medicaid enrollees are kids, over 200,000 children. Under the current Medicaid program, children have guaranteed comprehensive protections to make sure they can access the health care they need. These protections include a comprehensive benefit package known as Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT), which ensures that if a child is diagnosed with a condition, she or he can get the affordable treatment they need.
But Medicaid cuts in the ACA bill could eliminate EPSDST benefits, and rollback eligibility so thousands of children would lose Medicaid coverage. Medicaid reductions would lead to shortfalls in state budgets; states would be forced to cut benefits to kids, roll back eligibility, increase cost sharing, and deny children the comprehensive care they need to thrive.
We can’t let this happen. For over 50 years, Medicaid has provided foundational coverage to low-income children and children with disabilities. It is the safety net for families who have fallen on hard times and a crucial lifeline of support for families with children who have special health care needs.
Here is what some working Utah parents are saying about Medicaid:
“It would be very hard to get the necessary medical exams and treatment [without Medicaid]. But thank goodness we do.” – E., SLC
[Without Medicaid] we would have to go to emergency room.”
[Without Medicaid] we would be in trouble with medical bills.” – S. , Tooele
“Gave me piece of mind knowing I could take [my son] to the doctor if needed.” -T., West Valley City
[Medicaid] has helped us through 4 babies… it’s very stressful not having insurance because there’s always the feeling of ‘what if.’ – B., SLC
“With Medicaid, I know my kids will be ok.” -E., Herriman
“[Medicaid coverage] provided me with information and opportunities that I would not otherwise know about.” – S., Sandy
“[Medicaid] helped me while I was pregnant and helped me keep my son up to date with everything the first year.” –L., Kearns
“[Medicaid coverage meant] Just knowing I could get help when I needed it through my pregnancy.” -A., SLC
“Medicaid help[ed] my family excellent[ly] because now they have excellent health.” – M., West Valley City
Tell your Congressional Representative to oppose cuts and caps to Medicaid.
The health and well-being of Utah kids are at stake.
Rob Bishop
Jason Chaffetz
Mia Love
Chris Stewart
March 30, 2017 is Love UT Give UT!
It’s a day for Utahns to give to the nonprofits that make Utah special. Every donation to Voices for Utah Children through Love UT Give UT gives Voices a chance to win matching grants and prizes—and gives you a chance to win a car!
And you don't have to wait! Donate now at http://bit.ly/loveUTchildren.
For 30 years now, Voices for Utah Children has called on our state, federal and local leaders to put children’s needs first. But the work is not done. The children of 30 years ago now have children of their own. Too many of these children are growing up in poverty, without access to healthcare or quality educational opportunities.
How can you be involved?
Make a tax-deductible donation to Voices for Utah Children—or join our Network with a monthly donation of $20 or more. Network membership includes complimentary admission to Network events with food, socializing, and opportunity to meet child advocacy experts. And don't forget to join our listserv to stay informed!
We look forward to the future of Voices for Utah Children and we hope you will be a part of our next 30 years.
Special thanks to American Express for sponsoring our 30th Anniversary Year. 
