Press Releases
Medicaid/MA Town Hall Meetings Across Metro Area
Urge Legislators
to Preserve Crucial Healthcare Funding
Arc Greater Twin Cities Hosts Meeting in Eden Prairie on January 18
December 12th, 2006
MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesotans with disabilities who depend on healthcare services through Medicaid/ Medical Assistance (MA) have an opportunity to educate legislators about the importance of Medicaid funding at a Medicaid/MA Town Hall Meeting at the Eden Prairie City Council Chambers, 8080 Mitchell Road, on Thursday, January 18, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
The meeting is sponsored by the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) and hosted by Arc Greater Twin Cities. It is one of a series of seven meetings to be held across the Twin Cites metro area in January.
Many legislators, especially those who are newly elected, are not aware of the crucial role Medicaid plays in the lives of more than 100,000 Minnesotans with disabilities. These lawmakers will be making important budget decisions in the 2007 legislative session. The Town Hall Meetings give families an opportunity to tell their stories and influence policy decisions that will affect their daily lives.
“The goal of these Medicaid/MA Town Hall Meetings is to empower citizens to act – to show legislators the challenges they face and tell lawmakers how they can help,” said Gene Martinez, Arc senior public policy advocate. “Our elected officials need to know how vital Medicaid/MA is to ensuring people with disabilities and their loved ones have the resources to lead independent, product lives. We urge people to attend the meeting to learn what they can do to preserve their services.”
Persons who wish to attend the Medicaid/MA Town Hall Meeting in Eden Prairie on January 18 are encouraged to register by January 11. To register, call Arc at (952) 920-0855 or e-mail register@arcgreatertwincities.org. There is no cost to attend.
Additional Medicaid/MA Town Hall Meetings will be held in the following locations in January:
Dakota County Northern Service Center
1 Mendota Road West, Room 110A, West St. Paul
January 9, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Host: The Brain Injury Association of Minnesota
Brookdale Library
6125 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center
January 17, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Host: Metropolitan Center for Independent Living
Bethesda Hospital
559 Capitol Boulevard, 7th Floor Conference Room, St. Paul
January 23, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Hosts: Bethesda Brain Injury Support Group, Advocating Change Together, Brain
Injury Association of Minnesota
Dellwood Hills Golf Club
29 Highway 96 East, White Bear Lake
January 24, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Host: Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter
Courage Center
3915 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley
January 25, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Host: Courage Center
Sabathani Community Center
310 E. 38th Street, Minneapolis
January 29, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Hosts: Southside Community Health Services, Brain Injury Association of
Minnesota
Arc Greater Twin Cities, a United Way community partner, is the only grassroots organization serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families from birth to death in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Now in its 60th year, Arc works to secure opportunities for individuals and families to live, learn, work and play as they choose. For more information and volunteer opportunities, call Arc at (952) 920-0855 or visit www.arcgreatertwincities.org.
The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities is a coalition of more than 90 organizations of persons with disabilities, providers and advocates dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities.