|
Enhance Choices for People with Disabilities
ACT TODAY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) has submitted the attached amendment to the Senate Finance Chairman's Mark of the America's Healthy Future Act. Sen. Schumer's amendment would add the Community First Choice Option to the Finance Committee's health reform legislation.
The Community First Choice Medicaid state option would incorporate the core elements of the Community Choice Act into health care reform. Under the option, people who are Medicaid eligible and require an institutional level of care would be able to receive community-based attendant services and supports. Enhanced federal Medicaid matching funds will be available for states that adopt the option to help with reimbursement of expenses generated under the option.
The Senate Finance Committee will begin marking up the health reform legislation TODAY, Tuesday, September 22. Please contact Senator Charles Grassley of the Finance Committee and ask him to support Senator Schumer's Community First Choice Option amendment.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Support Community First Choice Option
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
I am asking you to support Senator Schumer's Community First Choice Option amendment to the America's Healthy Future Act. This amendment will create more opportunity for people with disabilities to become empowered through supports and services.
People with disabilities in Iowa currently enjoy more choices than many individuals in other states, but as you are aware, Iowa will again wrestle with many difficult budget decisions in the coming year. The Community First Choice Option would allow Iowa to receive additional federal matching funds for Medicaid services and apply those funds to this group of individuals, assuring consumers with disabilities continue to have options for life changing services.
I know you are faced with many difficult decisions in making sure all people receive the care they need and I thank you for your leadership. I would ask you to please make sure people with disabilities in Iowa can continue to lead meaningful, productive and independent lives. This amendment is a step in the right direction, and helps Iowa, through federal financial support, to remain a leader in providing services that create brighter futures for people with disabilities.
Sincerely,
|
