For Immediate Release January 14, 2005
SUBJECT: National Disability Rights Organization, ADAPT
Challenges National Governors Association (NGA)
to Reform Institutional Funding Bias in Medicaid
For information:
Marsha Katz 406/544-9504
Bob Kafka 512/431-4085
ADAPT, the largest grassroots activist disability rights organization in the country is challenging the National Governors Association (NGA) to endorse a policy that would call for elimination of the current institutional bias that exists in the Medicaid funding of the nation's long term care system.
The NGA Health and Human Services Committee is considering a resolution submitted by Governor Rendell of Pennsylvania that would:
1. Call on Congress to pass legislation that would eliminate the current Medicaid institutional bias and give people with disabilities and older Americans a "Real Choice" for long term care options;
2. Call on States to more aggressively implement the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision that ruled people with disabilities and older Americans had a right to choose services and supports in the "most integrated setting" according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);
3. To oppose any block grant or cap on funding of the Medicaid program.
This resolution will go to the full membership of the NGA for a final vote on March 1st at the NGA's Winter Conference in Washington, DC.
Currently about 70% of long term care dollars are spent on nursing home and other institutional services leaving only 30% for all in home community services even though the public overwhelmingly want long term care services provided in their own homes and communities and they are less expensive than institutional services. States are currently confronting rising Medicaid costs due, in some part, because of costly institutional services.
"The system is broken and needs reform" said Bob Kafka, ADAPT National Organizer. "The NGA should send a message by passing this resolution that people with disabilities and older Americans should be served with dignity and respect in their own homes and communities and not be forced to live in a nursing home or other institution."
Disability rights activists from across the country will be in DC on March 1st when the NGA considers the resolution for passage.
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