For those who support Alabama Medicaid funding

Hi everyone,

I realize this is a politically charged issue, but I also realize that many of us are reimbursed by Alabama Medicaid and have patients who rely on it. I do not practice in Alabama, so I am embarassed to say that I am not well versed in the current legislation regarding Medicaid funding, and, therefore I cannot choose a side. However, I wanted to foward this information from VOICES for Alabama Children (see more about this organization here http://www.alavoices.org/ and Google it for outside info) calling for action both in person and on social media. Please, if you have not yet, educate yourself on this issue from unbiased sources to determine your position before you take a stand, and please do not feel pressured to act for either position. All the best, rg 

Friends –

I wanted to make sure you're aware of this Wednesday's Medicaid legislative hearing scheduled for 3:30 in the Star Wars room at the Alabama State House. This is not a public hearing with testimony, but we hope to show support for full Medicaid funding by filling the room with observers. Our partnership steering committee believes strongly that our most effective strategy is to make this a positive expression of public support.

To help underscore that effort, and to highlight some of the real lives at stake in the budget debate, several of our member groups are holding a news conference, tentatively scheduled for 2:30 in Room 316. We're trying to avoid conflicts with major committees, so the time may change as we know more. At the news conference, we will display pictures of Medicaid beneficiaries and read statements on their behalf. Christie Cain and Jim Carnes will make statements about the overall effort.

Additionally, we are participating in a Medicaid social media campaign- the details are below. Please share with your network.

If you are planning on attending on Wednesday or can help with the social media campaign, please let me know.

Thanks for all you're doing to strengthen Alabama Medicaid!

SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN- #IAMMEDICAID

Are you on Medicaid? Do you have a loved one on Medicaid? Do you serve Medicaid patients? Then we need your help...

The Campaign
#IamMedicaid is a campaign designed to give individuals a way to change the conversation around Medicaid. There are misconceptions out there about who receives help and why...let's change those. This is an opportunity for individuals who receive Medicaid, their family members, their physicians and concerned Alabama citizens to show that there are real people with real issues being impacted by the decisions made surrounding Medicaid funding.

The Content
Your photos and stories are powerful. Share them with lawmakers and social media now!

Get Involved
Join the campaign! You just need a smartphone or camera, this pre-printed sign, and social media. It really is easier than you think.

Here are the basic steps:

1. Print this sign out or pick one up at your local physicians office.
2. Ask someone to take a picture of you holding the top half of the sheet.
3. Post this picture to all your social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat) with the hashtag #IamMedicaid. Be sure to tweet and tag your lawmakers.
4. If you would like us to share your story or stories of others, email us at intern3@alavoices.org.
5. Share this sign with others and ask them to join the campaign!

Jada Shaffer
Campaign Manager
VOICES for Alabama's Children
P: 334-213-2410 x 105
M: 334-233-3674
E: jshaffer@alavoices.org