New Ad from Aging Services and Disability Groups Urges Congress Not to Cut Medicaid

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Jul 14, 2011, 01:57 ET

"Don't Cut My Lifeline" is National Call to Retain Funding for Threatened Programs

WASHINGTON, July 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A two-page ad released in today's issue of Roll Call Newspaper highlights the need to retain funding in Medicaid for the nation's most vulnerable older adults and people with disabilities.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110714/DC35545)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100615/NCOALOGO)

The ad was signed by 179 leading aging and disability groups from around the country.

According to the ad, more than a quarter of all seniors and people with disabilities depend on Medicaid, and cutting the program could deny millions the choice to receive the services they need to live independently in their homes and communities. In addition, these cuts could cost thousands of direct-care jobs, putting a greater burden on individuals and families.

"NCOA realizes that we need to increase the debt ceiling and reduce the budget deficit," said James Firman, president and CEO of NCOA, "but Medicaid is an absolute lifeline to those in need. Cutting it would put millions of seniors and people with disabilities in extremely dire straits."

To view the full ad, please click here.

About NCOA
The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA's mission is to improve the lives of millions of older adults, especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. NCOA is a national voice for older Americans and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities.

www.NCOA.org |www.facebook.com/NCOAging | www.twitter.com/NCOAging

SOURCE National Council on Aging