National Call-in Day for Long-Term Care

A number of aging and disability groups are participating in a national call-in day Thursday, June 4, targeted especially to the U.S. House of Representatives, to urge that long-term care (LTC) is in included in health care reform.  Our call to action is:  We’re counting on Congress to give all Americans the choice to receive the services and supports they need at home

The call-in number for this effort is:  1-800-335-6946.  

Below is some background information.

• We are counting on Congress to make improving long-term care part of the final health care reform bill so that all Americans have the choice to get needed services and supports at home.

• We’re calling on Congress to expand access to home and community-based services (HCBS) by reforming the current long-term care system which favors costly institutional care.

•  Why should we reform long-term care to expand access to HCBS?  The numbers tell the story:

89 percent of Americans age 50+ say they want to live in their homes as long as possible. 

On average, for the cost of serving one person in a nursing home, you could provide care for three in home- and community-based settings.

Now only 23% of Medicaid LTC spending for older adults and adults with physical disabilities home- and community-based services.

In addition to including long term care in health care reform – there are two bills that would improve access to long-term care, they include:  the “Empowered at Home Act” (S.434) and the “Community Choices Act (HR.1670). Ask your congressman and senator to co-sponsor these bills.

The “Empowered at Home Act” would expand eligibility for services and provide states with additional federal money so more Americans could receive care at home.

The “Community Choices Act” would establish a national program of community-based attendant services and supports for people with disabilities, regardless of age or disability.

Please make a call and encourage others to as well!