The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, The Arc of Washington State and Self Advocates in Leadership (SAIL) have created a campaign to help people understand and participate in potential changes coming to their Medicaid services. We have a new webpage and series of videos dedicated to sharing information. These resources provide essential details on what Medicaid is, who uses it, and how it impacts lives across our community. We also designed a way to help you create a video about why Medicaid Matters in your life. Finally, we are offering support to help you set up meetings with your elected officials if you want to share your story and take action.
Please help us share the following information and materials about this campaign with your networks!
Follow and get updates from the Medicaid Matters Campaign by signing up for any of these channels:
· Washington State DDC GovDelivery
· Informing Families E-Newsletter
· The Arc of Washington State News to Know Email
Emily Rogers, Director of Public Policy for the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, explains through a series of videos how the Medicaid system supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Washington—and how you can take action to protect these vital services.
· Medicaid: Understanding and Taking Action Part 1 (Watch the video)
· Medicaid: Understanding and Taking Action Part 2 (Watch the video)
Your story can make a difference. Create a story with help of our team to explain why Medicaid Matters to you. The story will be available for you to send to anyone you want, as well as be shared on our website with the rest of the community. Help us show why Medicaid is essential by sharing your experience in one of these ways:
· Record a short video on your phone and submit it through this form.
· Schedule a Zoom recording session with The Arc of Washington State by emailing reply@arcwa.org.
· Submit a photo and a written statement on why Medicaid matters to you and submit it through this form or by email to reply@arcwa.org.
If you need assistance with sharing your story, contact reply@arcwa.org.
Your elected officials in Congress are considering some very difficult decisions about Medicaid and need to hear from you, their constituent, about how those decisions will impact your life. We are here to help you with those meetings if you want it. To locate and contact your congressional senator and representative, visit My Congressional District. If you need support with doing this, email info@ddc.wa.gov.
Here are some additional ways to take action:
· Call the “Hands Off Medicaid Hotline” at 866-426-2631. (Options are available in English and Spanish.) Follow the prompts when asked for your zip code. Your call will be automatically directed to your representative. You may either speak with a staff member or be directed to voicemail. If you reach voicemail, please leave a message with your name and zip code.
· Sign up for The Arc of Washington’s Action Alerts: Action Center
· Subscribe to the WADDC Newsletter: WADDC Newsletter
· Attend Advocacy Days: Advocacy Days 2025
· Join a self-advocacy group: SAIL, People First of Washington, or Allies in Advocacy
Together, we can protect and strengthen Medicaid for individuals and families across Washington. Visit our Medicaid Information Page to learn more at https://informingfamilies.org/medicaid-information/
