Schumer's amendment to the health bill will benefit people with disabilities: United Spinal Association

Sep 25 2009

United Spinal Association praised New York Senator Charles Schumer for introducing an amendment to the Senate Finance Committee health care reform bill to enact the Community Choice Act benefiting people with disabilities.

The Community Choice Act, if enacted, will give states the option to make home- and community-based services available through their Medicaid programs. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) has been the lead sponsor of the Community Choice Act for years. Senator Schumer has long supported it and, as a member of the Senate Finance Committee, he was able to introduce it as an amendment to the health care reform bill.

United Spinal President & CEO Paul J. Tobin said today, "Senator Schumer's amendment will make it far easier for people with disabilities to obtain services in their homes and communities -- rather than be forced to go to a nursing home. Services such as help with dressing, bathing, and grocery shopping often enable people with disabilities to be independent and become or remain employed."

Schumer said, upon including this amendment: "The elderly and disabled should not have to choose between staying in their home and receiving the care they need. I am gratified that the Finance Committee will vote on a bill that now has this 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."

Tobin thanks Senators Schuman and Harkin for their leadership. United Spinal urges people to call their Senators and ask them to support the Community Choice Act state Medicaid option in health care reform. People can call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 or call the local offices of their Senators. He added that it is especially important to call your Senator if s/he is a member of the Senate Finance Committee.