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TO: NDSC Members and Affiliated Parent Groups
FROM: Susan Goodman, Director Governmental Affairs, National Down Syndrome Congress
DATE: January 12, 2009
Campaign to End the Waiting List for Community Services Continues
Background
In our last Newsline, we asked for readers to go to www.change.org to vote for the full funding of Medicaid waivers for persons with developmental disabilities as one of the top priorities for Health Care for America as one of the top health care priorities in America.
As we shared last month, there are about 300,000 people with developmental disabilities on the waiting list for adult services in the country. This means that after an individual’s entitlement to educational services ends at the age of 21, there is no mandate for him or her to receive support services for jobs and community living. This crisis is likely to worsen as the population ages and elderly individuals with and without disabilities need Medicaid funding for support services.
Efforts Continue
Because of support of grass-roots advocates across the country, the campaign to Fully Fund Medicaid Waivers for Persons with Developmental Disabilities has made it to the second round of voting at the change.org website.
This is one way that advocates and families can have their voices heard and bring this critical issue to the attention to the Obama Administration and the new Congress. The website highlights the three issues that will address this crisis including:
- Fully funding the Medicaid Waiver Program for Persons with Developmental Disabilities as part of the next economic stimulus package.
- Consider this as an increased federal Medicaid match so that states are not put into a situation whereby the services for persons with disabilities that do exist are at risk of being lost.
- Create portability of services across states and counties as is allowed with Medicare and Social Security.
Funding community programs, instead of institutional services which are the only mandated adult services under Medicaid, makes economic sense. Community services, for example, cost from $30,000 to $75,000 per year whereas institutional services which can cost from $80,000 to $200,000 depending on the level of support an individual needs. Increasing community services also provides jobs for individuals who can provide support services.
Action Needed
To vote in the second round, go to http://www.change.org/ideas/view/fully_fund_medicaid_waivers_for_the_developmentally_disabled.
Voting for this round ends on January 15, 2009.
Congress Reconvenes
The 111th Congress convened last week. Attention is focused now on confirmation hearings for Cabinet positions (e.g. Secretary of State, Education, Health and Human Services) and the proposed economic stimulus package. A big item on the Congressional agenda is increased Medicaid funding for states that are being forced to cut services and limit eligibility to beneficiaries.
We will continue to update you about the impact of Congressional action on individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities.
If you have questions or comments about this Newsline, please contact Susan Goodman at susan@ndsccenter.org.
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