In Washington, Medicaid and Medicare program cuts are under consideration as political leaders negotiate budget and debt issues. Negotiators are discussing serious reductions in Medicaid, including reducing the federal matching rate to the states and limiting or eliminating the Medicaid hospital provider fee that both supports Colorado’s coverage expansions to the uninsured and our hospitals that care for the un- and underinsured. Negotiations are expected to continue for the next several weeks as the national debt ceiling limit approaches on August 2^nd. Given the critical role that Medicare and Medicaid play in rural communities, CRHC has been communicating with Colorado’s members of Congress about these issues and will be sharing opportunities for you to contact your member directly in the coming days. Please contact Sara if you have any questions.