A group of healthcare associations sent letters to every member of the U.S. House of Representatives urging them to oppose Medicare and Medicaid spending caps, as the House gears up to finalize the fiscal year 2005 budget in the next two weeks.

House Republicans may introduce bills next week that could contain such caps.

“Both the Medicare and Medicaid programs are essential in meeting the health care needs of our nation’s citizens,” the letter said. “We must be able to continue to provide the high level of care that our seniors deserve.”

To read the letter, go to: http://e.ccialerts.com/a/hBAz1psAIyhSgAJJpA8AK8FVb9G/mhc81