[Date]

[The Honorable Full Name]

[Official's Title: U.S. Senator or State Assemblymember]

[Official's E-mail or Office Address if using US Mail]

Subject: Protect Medicaid Funding and Access for Community Health Centers

Dear [Senator/Assemblymember Last Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a constituent writing from [Your City/Town]. I am writing to urge you to oppose any proposed cuts to Medicaid and to protect the crucial funding that supports our local Community Health Centers (CHCs).

Community Health Centers are a cornerstone of our healthcare system, providing essential primary, dental, and mental health care to millions of people, including low-income families, seniors, and uninsured individuals in our community. These centers are often the only source of care for our most vulnerable neighbors. They provide high-quality, cost-effective care that not only improves health outcomes but also saves taxpayer money by preventing costly emergency room visits.

Medicaid is the financial lifeline for these centers. A significant portion of the patients served by CHCs rely on Medicaid, and this funding is absolutely essential for their operations. Any reduction in Medicaid reimbursement rates or overall funding would directly threaten the ability of our local CHCs to keep their doors open and provide services.

Furthermore, proposals to restrict Medicaid access for undocumented residents would create a public health crisis. Denying access to care effectively prevents people from receiving life-saving medical treatment. This is particularly dangerous regarding communicable diseases like HIV. It would exponentially increase the risk of HIV transmission in these communities, as individuals would be unable to access testing and preventative services. Moreover, it creates a climate of fear that threatens even those already living with the disease, discouraging them from seeking the life-saving, effective treatment they need from a community health center. Public health is best served when everyone, regardless of immigration status, has access to care.

Protecting Medicaid funding for Community Health Centers is not just a healthcare issue; it is a smart economic and moral investment in the well-being and safety of our entire community. I strongly urge you to stand up for our health centers by rejecting any budget proposals or policies that would cut their Medicaid funding or restrict access to care.

Thank you for your time and for your service. I look forward to hearing your position on this critical issue.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Full Address]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]