Take Action Against the Proposed Medicaid Cuts: 5 Steps You Can Take Now

Medicaid isn’t just a line item in Washington—it’s the foundation of care for our loved ones with disabilities. As they consider potential cuts to Medicaid, lawmakers need to hear from us now – about how important Medicaid is for us and our loved ones. Here are five actions you can take to stand against these harmful cuts and defend our community.

Earlier this year, the U.S. House approved a budget blueprint calling for $2 trillion in federal spending cuts over the next decade, which includes up to $880 billion in Medicaid reductions. Deep cuts of this magnitude would force states to restrict eligibility, cut vital benefits, and shift costs onto enrollees, jeopardizing therapies, home-and-community supports, and care coordination services that families across New Jersey rely on.

READ MORE: What You Need to Know About the Proposed Medicaid Cuts

As a trusted New Jersey support coordination agency, Skylands understands that shifts like this can have cascading effects on families who depend on Medicaid-funded programs. But when we raise our voices together, we have real power to influence policy. That’s why we’ve created this step-by-step action plan to help you and your loved ones protect the care you depend on.

#1—Sign Skylands’ Protect Medicaid Petition

Medicaid is vital for our Skylands families. It is the main source of funding for disability and community-based care. This means that every proposal to cut, cap, or make other harmful changes to Medicaid is a threat to the health and well-being of our loved ones.

Congressional Republicans are negotiating what cuts they want to Medicaid and other care services to pay for their tax cuts right now. Now is the time to take action. Tell your representative to protect Medicaid by signing our petition: Protect Medicaid- Skylands Family Support Petition.

#2—Request a Meeting with Your Federal Representative or Senator

Your members of Congress work for you, and they need to hear directly from constituents about the human impact of Medicaid. Whether your district’s seat is held by a Democrat or a Republican, sharing your lived experience can sway opinions and inform final votes.

• Find your members: Go to Congress.gov and enter your address to identify your U.S. Representative and both Senators.
• Reach out: Send an email or place a call to their DC office requesting a meeting with the health policy or disability services staffer.

When reaching out, feel free to use this script:

Hi! My name is (name), and I’m a constituent of (Congressman/woman or Senator) from (your town or city). As your constituent, I am deeply concerned about the cuts to Medicaid some members of Congress are considering. I would like to talk to the office about why Medicaid is a crucial part of my family’s life.

What time could a health staff member meet with me?

Thank you,

(Your Name), (City/Town)

• Share your story: In the meeting, highlight how Medicaid-funded services—residential support, therapies, medical equipment—enable your loved one’s quality of life. Personal anecdotes resonate far more than statistics alone.

Meetings typically include introductions, your story, the staffer’s response, and time for questions. If you go to a meeting, consider asking:

• Is the Congressmember/Senator willing to oppose cuts to Medicaid?
• What resources or information would be helpful to the Congressmember/Senator in making decisions about Medicaid?
• What are the Congressmember/Senator’s priorities on health care and/or disability or aging issues?

If you’re interested in joining meetings with Members of Congress alongside a coalition of Medicaid and care advocates, please fill out this interest form from Caring Across Generations.

#3—Ask Questions at Town Halls and Public Events

Elected officials often host town halls, public forums, or “listening sessions.” These settings offer a direct line to question your Member on Medicaid cuts. Attending these events can make a real difference—here’s how to get started:

• Stay informed: Sign up for newsletters from your Representative’s and Senators’ websites. Follow their social media channels for announcements of upcoming events.
• Prepare your message: Emphasize the personal stakes—how cuts would impact your loved one’s access to care.

Here’s a sample question:

“Will you commit to opposing any reduction in Medicaid funding that would harm the ability of New Jersey families to secure essential disability and aging services?”

By voicing concerns in a public forum, you signal to legislators that Medicaid is a nonpartisan issue that voters care deeply about.

#4—Place Calls and Send Letters to Congress

Volume matters. Congressional staff keep track of the number of calls and emails they receive asking the representative to oppose or support issues. You can call your Congressmember and Senators and tell them:

• Your full name and hometown (so staff know you’re a constituent).
• A clear statement: “I oppose any cuts to Medicaid.”
• A brief reason: “Medicaid enables my child to receive critical therapies that would otherwise be unaffordable.”
  

How to contact:

• Phone: Find your Member’s DC office number on Congress.gov and speak directly to the scheduler or health aide.
• Email: Use Caring Across Generations’ Tell Congress: No Cuts to Medicaid tool for a streamlined email campaign.
  

Even if you’ve participated in other actions, a call or letter adds weight. Encourage friends and family to do the same—every message counts!

#5—Share Personal Stories in the Press and on Social Media

Storytelling moves hearts and minds. Harness the power of personal narrative to highlight Medicaid’s impact.

• Local news: Send op-eds or letters to the editor at New Jersey publications about how Medicaid supports your family.
• Social media: Post photos, videos, and captions about daily life made possible by Medicaid-funded services. Tag your Representatives and Senator—public visibility can drive accountability.

Here is an example post template you can customize:

“Without Medicaid, my son wouldn’t have access to the speech therapy that helps him communicate independently. I’m urging @RepName and @SenatorName to stand up for families like ours—no cuts to Medicaid!”

By amplifying real-life examples, you humanize policy debates and make it harder for legislators to dismiss the stakes as abstract budget items.

Conclusion

Medicaid is more than a line on a ledger—it’s a promise of care, dignity, and opportunity for people with disabilities, aging adults, and families across New Jersey. In the coming weeks, Congressional leaders will decide whether to prioritize the well-being of our communities or choose budget cuts that risk tens of thousands of lives. We have the tools and the power to shape that outcome, but only if we act now.

Join us in this fight: talk to your friends, rally your neighbors, and make your voice heard in Washington. Together, we can demand a care system that honors every individual’s needs—today and for generations to come.