In recognition of the 19th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in the Olmstead v. L.C. case, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) urges Congress to fund the Empower Care Act, a bipartisan program that helps transition people from nursing homes back into the community.
According to the Supreme Court’s ruling, under the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with disabilities have a qualified right to state-funded supports and services in the community.
While progress has been made since the Olmstead case, many people with disabilities are still trapped in nursing homes due to the fact that the Medicaid program mandates this form of coverage, but makes home and community-based services (HCBS) optional, notes a media release from NAELA.
This anniversary, NAELA joins a coalition of aging and disability groups to urge Congress to pass the bipartisan Empower Care Act. The legislation would renew the Money Follows the Person Medicaid demonstration project (MFP). MFP has helped more than 75,000 seniors and people with disabilities move out of nursing homes and back to the community.
Unfortunately, MFP expired in September 30, 2016. All participating states will run out of funding by the end of the year, per the release.
“Individuals with disabilities want to live the American dream just like everyone else. Money Follows the Person allows them to get back home, where they can work, study, and contribute to their communities,” says NAELA President Michael J. Amoruso, Esq, Fellow, CAP.
[Source(s): National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, PRWeb]
