Federal funding for Medicaid, otherwise known as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System or AHCCCS, is at risk under the administration’s proposed budget resolution.
The budget proposal aims to cut $880 billion over the next 10 years from programs run by the House Energy and Commerce Committee under which Medicaid is the principal entitlement program. According to a study conducted by the Commonwealth Fund (view here), if the proposed budget passes, Arizona stands to lose $1.8 billion in Medicaid funding and 24,000 jobs in 2026 alone.
Read more to see how you can help and also get resources for contacting your elected officials
Everyone has the right to have their voice heard and our elected officials rely on input from their constituents to make informed decisions.
You can reach out to lawmakers who represent your area in whichever way you feel most comfortable including by:
- Phone
- In person by appointment or at public events
Some advocacy organizations suggest calling as the best option, while others suggest calling and writing. However you choose to communicate, use these tips to make the most impact.
Plan Ahead
If you choose to call, take a minute before you dial to decide what you are going to say. Jot down notes or write a script, whatever works best for you. It’s not likely you will speak directly with your legislator but the person who answers the phone will summarize and document your call.
Introduce Yourself
Give your first and last name and identify yourself as a constituent from [Your city/state/zip code].
State Your Purpose
Make your reason for calling or writing clear and concise. For example, “I’m calling to express my concern/support regarding [specific bill, issue, or policy].”
Make It Personal
Share why this topic is important to you. For example, “As Medicaid recipients, my family’s health will suffer if the proposed cuts are made.”
Be Clear About What You Want
You’re not just calling to make a statement, you demand action. For example, “I urge the Senator to vote YES on [Bill Number].” Or “I want the Representative to publicly oppose the proposed cuts to Medicaid.”
When Calling Leave a Voicemail
If you reach voicemail instead of a live person, leave a detailed message using the tips above. You may want to also leave your phone number in case the listener has any further questions. If you’re not comfortable speaking to someone on the phone but still want your voice to be heard, call after hours when you will likely reach voicemail and can simply read your statement.
At NOAH, almost half of our patients – more than 24,000 people – depend on Medicaid for their care. We urge you to support NOAH by contacting our federal legislators and voicing your concern about the impact proposed budget cuts will have on healthcare coverage in Arizona.
Please feel free to use the resources below to craft your message to our federal legislators.
Federal
Contact members of Congress to provide input on decisions that affect the entire United States, including pending cuts to Medicaid. Arizona has two Senators and nine Representatives in the United States Congress.
Both United States Senators from Arizona, Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly, represent the entire state. Both Senators will vote “no” on cuts to Medicaid.
To contact United States Representatives, determine which congressional district you live in by looking up your zip code or address. Once you have determined which district you are part of, identify the Representative(s) for your district.
On the websites for the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate, you can learn more about your legislators, their committees, and sponsored bills as well as find links to reach them directly via email or phone.
| District | Representative | Mailing Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | David Schweikert | 14500 N. Northsight Blvd. Suite 221 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 | (480) 946-2411 |
| 2 | Elijah Crane | 122 N. Cortez St. Suite 211 Prescott, AZ 86301 | (928) 286-5338 |
| 3 | Yassamin Ansari | 1432 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 | (202) 225-4065 |
| 4 | Greg Stanton | 1220 S Alma School Rd. Suite 209 Mesa, AZ 85210 | (602) 956-2463 |
| 5 | Andy Biggs | 2509 S. Power Rd. Suite 204 – Superstition Plaza Mesa, AZ 85209 | (480) 699-8239 |
| 6 | Juan Ciscomani | 1636 N Swan Rd. Suite 200 Tucson, AZ 85712 | (520) 881-3588 |
| 7 | Vacant | El Pueblo Community Center 101 W. Irvington Rd. Bldg 4, Tucson, AZ 85714 P: 520-622-6788 | (520) 622-6788 |
| 8 | Abraham Hamadeh | 12515 W. Bell Rd. Suite 104 Surprise, AZ 85378 | (623) 776-7911 |
| 9 | Paul A. Gosar | 1300 S. Litchfield Rd. Suite 115-H Goodyear, AZ 85338 | (623) 707-0530 |
State
Contact your state legislators to provide input on decisions that only impact Arizona.
To contact your state legislators, determine which legislative district you live in by looking up your zip code or address. Once you have determined which district you are part of, identify the senators and representatives for your district. On the state of Arizona website, you can also learn more about your legislators, their committees, and sponsored bills as well as find links to reach them directly via email or phone.
To contact your state legislators by mail, simply address your correspondence as follows:
The Honorable Senator’s Name
State Senator
1700 West Washington Street – Senate
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
The Honorable Representative’s Name
State Representative
1700 West Washington Street – House
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
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