Across the country, talk of cutting Medicare and Medicaid has created a political firestorm – and some politicians say it’s necessary to balance the federal budget. The Black Women's Health Imperative, along with the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum and the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, couldn’t disagree more. Medicare and Medicaid are a safety net for our nation’s most vulnerable and poorest citizens, including women of color and their families. Women account for over 70 percent of Medicaid beneficiaries and a disproportionate number are Latinas, Black Americans or Asian and Pacific Islanders. Latinos account for 1 in 4 Medicaid enrollees, while enrollment for Black Americans is 1 in 5. Currently, nearly one in 10 Asian Americans and 1 in 4 Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are enrolled in Medicaid. Obtaining equitable healthcare for women of color and their families is important. Since women are often the healthcare decision makers, their families are the least able to endure the consequences associated with lack of healthcare. We have an obligation to continue to highlight the importance of Medicaid as a safety net and promote its benefits to those who rely on its services the most. Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid would put health care coverage at risk for millions of women. We can’t let this happen. Join us in our efforts to Save Medicaid.| Together, we’ll let Congress know that it’s simply unacceptable to balance the budget on the backs of vulnerable women. Please sign our petition.

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