June 18, 2007

The Honorable James Langevin
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Congressman Langevin:

The National Council on Independent Living is writing in support of the Medicare Independent Living Act of 2007.

The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) is the oldest cross disability, grassroots organization run by and for people with disabilities. Founded in 1982, NCIL represents over 700 organizations and individuals including: Centers for Independent Living (CILs), Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs), individuals with disabilities, and other organizations that advocate for the human and civil rights of people with disabilities throughout the United States.

Medicare’s “in the home” rule is outdated and restricts coverage of mobility devices to only those needed for certain in-home activities.  Currently, under Medicare an individual who requires a mobility device to help them prepare their meals or brush their teeth may receive a device.  However, an individual who may be able to move around their home without a mobility device, but requires a device to go to work, school, the grocery store, or anywhere in the community, is not eligible.  This restriction unfairly confines many individuals with disabilities to the four walls for their homes and sharply contradicts community-based initiatives such as the Olmstead Supreme Court decision, Ticket-to-Work Program, New Freedom Initiative, and Americans with Disabilities Act.

Congress must remove this restriction to allow people with disabilities to live independently in their homes and in their communities.  We thank you for your commitment to this issue and we look forward to working with you toward enactment.

Sincerely,                                                     
        
Kelly Buckland                                 John A. Lancaster