For Immediate Release:
September 23, 2009
Contacts: Bruce Darling (585) 370-6690, Diane Coleman (585) 546-7510

Disability Rights Advocates praise Senators Charles Schumer, Max Baucus and other key Senators for addressing the institutional bias in Senate healthcare reform legislation

Washington, DC and Rochester, NY – ADAPT, a national grassroots disability rights organization, praised Senator Baucus of Montana for including the Community First Choice Option in his healthcare reform legislation. If enacted, the Community First Choice Option would be an optional program that gives states an enhanced federal Medicaid match for providing attendant services and supports as an alternative to placement in a nursing facility or other institution.

The Community First Choice Option was proposed as an amendment by Senator Charles Schumer of New York and was included in the Chairman’s Mark which automatically incorporates the language in the legislation.

“The elderly and disabled should not have to choose between staying in their home and receiving the care they need,” said Schumer. “I am gratified that the Finance Committee agreed to include a provision that will take steps towards providing home care for those in need, and I will continue fighting until no one has to choose between their health and their home.”

ADAPT groups from across the country praised the announcement. “This is an incredible step forward toward eliminating the institutional bias,” said Bruce Darling, Executive Director of the Center for Disability Rights (CDR) in Rochester. “The aging and disability communities owe a debt of gratitude to Senator Baucus and Senator Schumer for addressing this critical issue as a part of healthcare reform.”

Advocates also recognized Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa for his efforts to give seniors and people with disabilities an alternative to placement in an institution or nursing facility. Harkin has been the lead sponsor for the Community Choice Act (S683/HR1670). This legislation would eliminate the institutional bias on a national level, and served as the basis for the state option proposal. “For years, Senator Harkin has been a champion on this issue,” said Diane Coleman, CDR’s Assistant Director of Advocacy. “During the last few months, we have watched in awe as he put in countless hours to advocate for our cause.”

Advocates also praised other initiatives in the Chairman’s Mark that addressed long term services and supports by broadening the eligibility requirements for the Money Follows the Person Demonstration Program and addressing problems with spousal impoverishment in community-based services.