Thank you for submitting Frail and Furious comments to CMS!

We want to say an enormous THANK YOU to everyone who submitted public

comments to CMS (Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services) about the harmful medical frailty exemption policies in the new Medicaid work requirements.

More than 79,000 comments were submitted by people across the country—both within and beyond our community—and every single one must be reviewed by CMS! More than 31,000 comments are already posted on Regulations.gov, with more continuing to appear as they are screened. We’ve already spotted several comments using our template!

Thank you for giving your precious energy to speak up. Our grassroots

power grows, when we unite to share our lived experiences with decision

makers, and demand change.

What was in the comments?

Last month, #MEAction submitted an organizational comment and provided a template to help community members submit individual comments. Other disability organizations also submitted comments and offered templates.

The disability community showed up.

Axios reported that tens of thousands of advocates and providers flooded CMS

with comments. Among the concerns they highlighted:

• Many commenters said the disability and illness exemptions are inadequate.

• The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network released new survey results showing that 90% of cancer patients and survivors said they had to miss work, school or volunteering gigs because of their illness.

• Three-quarters said it would be hard to successfully submit paperwork proving they met the requirements or qualified for an exemption while undergoing treatment.

What happens next?

Under the Administrative Procedure Act, CMS must carefully review and consider all comments submitted by the July 31st deadline as part of the federal rulemaking process.

We’ll be watching closely and keep the community updated on whether CMS

makes any changes to its Medicaid Interim Final Rule in response to the comments.

Stay tuned!

What is #MEAction working on now?

We're already moving on to the next phase of this campaign.

This week, staff and chapter leaders are emailing Medicaid directors in 12 states

to request meetings. We’re also finalizing our state-level policy asks and advocacy strategies for the fall, and developing resources for people in our community who receive Medicaid.

This is a critical time of the year. Medicaid agencies in many states will begin

sending notices in August and September to people who will be affected by the new work requirements.

To learn what your state has shared publicly about the upcoming changes to Medicaid, check the links for your state in this document.

How can you take action?

• Want your voice heard in #MEAction’s talks with Medicaid decision makers? Share why Medicaid matters to you on our community story bank.

• Think you might be affected by the new Medicaid work requirements? Share

  your story with NBC News by completing their story submission form.

• Want to help organize and take action in your state? Join a state or regional

  chapter meeting or reach out to advocacy@meaction.net to get involved.

• Watch for our #MedicaidMonday social posts and help amplify them by

  sharing.

Donate to Help Us Keep This Work Moving Forward

Finally, make sure you’re subscribed to receive our emails so you don’t miss campaign updates! When you subscribe, please include your state's abbreviation so we can send you state-specific advocacy opportunities.