1) What’s Happening in the Nation’s Capital?
NCIL Disability Policy Summit
NCIL Congressional Policy Briefing and Hill Visits
2) National News
Community Choice Act 2009 - Like Wings On An Eagle: Our Time Has Come!
Senate Finance Subcommittee Hearing on the Role of Long-Term Care in Health Care Reform
Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2009 Introduced!
Vice President Biden Announces $250 Recovery Payments to Go to Social Security and SSI Beneficiaries in May
Congress Reintroduced to CLASS Act
3) Announcements and Additional Resources
NCIL Needs Your Input Regarding Veterans Issues in Order to Pursue IL Funding
Disability Scoop: Kareem Dale, Top White House Aide, Talks Disability Policy
NCD Hosts Teleconference on Two Recent Reports, NCIL Policy Analyst Elizabeth Leef Scheduled to Speak
NCIL Disability Policy Summit
Last Monday, March 23, NCIL held a Disability Policy Summit in Washington DC. Representatives from 22 national disability organizations attended. The NCIL Board presented our 2009 Legislative and Advocacy Priorities. “The meeting provided a great opportunity for organizations to share their legislative priorities and engage in dialogue to continue collaboration” said John Lancaster.
NCIL Congressional Policy Briefing and Hill Visits
On Tuesday, March 24th, NCIL held its 3rd annual Congressional Policy Briefing in the Senate Russell Building. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) was introduced by Dawn Francis, Executive Director of the Iowa SILC. The Senator kicked off our event by welcoming everyone and inviting us all to the re-introduction of the Community Choice Act. Tim Sheehan of Wisconsin gave an overview of CILs and SILCs, Jeff Hughes spoke about the Reauthorization of the Rehab Act, and Lou Ann Kibbee talked about the Community Choice Act. Several Congressional staff attended and our Policy Priorities Booklet was ditributed to all.
Later that day, NCIL Policy Fellow Jason Beloungy had the privilege to attend a meeting with NCIL Board President Kelly Buckland, NCIL Board Member Tim Sheehan and Kelly’s wife and son, Merle and Rodney. They attended scheduled meeting with the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, David Obey (D-WI) to talk about concerns with RSA not releasing information or funds related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the IL Program, as well as the 2010 Budget process. The meeting was very positive, and the delegation felt good about what had been discussed in this face-to-face meeting with the Chairman in his U.S. Capitol Office. The Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee is one of the most powerful members of Congress, and to get a personal meeting with him in his Capitol office is a very rare opportunity. Jason described the very memorable experience, “The Chairman’s office is located next to the office of the Speaker of the House, and is not part of the Capitol Tour. Once inside the office, you had one of the best views. The view overlooked the National Mall and right at the Washington Monument. All of us in the room felt that this was an exceptional moment that none will likely forget.”
Jeff Hughes and NCIL staff Elizabeth Leef met with the lead staff person for Representative George Miller (D-CA), Chairman of the House Energy and Labor Committee, who is working on the Reauthorization of the Rehab Act. Recent events regarding RSA and the stimulus funds were discussed. NCIL Board members Mary Margaret Moore and Steve Higgins attended a meeting with the lead staff person for Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA), responsible for the Reauthorization of the Rehab Act on the Senate side. The Senate will be working from the old Senate version of Reauthorization and the House wants to start from scratch. NCIL will keep the membership informed and up-to-date as we learn more. NCIL will outreach to the membership for input on Reauthorization.
Board members Jeff Hughes and Carla Lawson met with Senator Colburn’s staff and discussed recent events with RSA. The Senator’s staff will be contacting RSA on behalf of NCIL to see why IL funds are being held up.
Congressional visits included the offices of Senators Lincoln (D-AR), Casey (D-PA), Hagan (D-NC), Roberts (R-KS), Murkowski (R-AK), Hatch (D-UT), Udall (D-CO), and Bennet (D-CO). House visits included Representatives Tiahrt (R-KS), Jenkins (R-KS), Moore (D-KS), Chairman David Obey (D-WI), Moran (R-KS), Miller (D-NC), Tierney (D-MA) and Chairman Miller (D-CA).
Community Choice Act 2009 - Like Wings On An Eagle: Our Time Has Come!
Following the NCIL Congressional Briefing, a press conference was held in the Senate Dirksen Building, and the Community Choice Act of 2009 was introduced. Mike Oxford of Kansas ADAPT moderated the event, where Senator Tom Harkin and Congressman Danny Davis announced that they have introduced the Community Choice Act in the 111th Congress.
Our community showed up in force, filling the hearing room and the hallways outside. Disability Rights activists from across the country participated in person and by phone from over 100 sites nationally. Speakers included NCIL Executive Director John Lancaster, Dawn Russell of ADAPT, Andy Imparato of the AAPD, Marty Ford of the Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), Victor Robinson of Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE), and Mitch LaPlante, Researcher at the University of California, San Francisco.
After Mike Oxford warmed up the crowd, Senator Harkin gave a rousing speech, emphasizing that “Our time has come”. He praised President Obama for his support of the CCA and vowed that will pass this year, either as part of broader healthcare reform or as independent legislation. Representative Danny Davis then spoke about the pride he felt being connected to the Community Choice Act and said that the best advocates in the country are people with disabilities. He praised Harkin for his tireless efforts, and quoted a Bible passage that emphasized Harkin’s continued efforts to pass the CCA over the past 17 years; “Those that wait… shall renew their strength. They will mount up, like the wings on an eagle…” he said.
John Lancaster testified that NCIL was there to collaborate in solidarity with everyone who was there to support the CCA. He said that the CCA is clearly one of the most, if not the most, important issue in our community. Many NCIL Governing Board members and people representing Centers for Independent Living were present at the hearing. Those Board members not present were at that very moment visiting their Congressional representatives, pushing for passage of the Community Choice Act.
John testified passionately, “I want you folks to know that we are working this and we will work it with you. I was struck by Mitch's comment about CBO's previous fear about people coming out of the woodwork to get benefits under the Community Choice Act. That's such poppycock and we all know it. How many people are going to come out of the woodwork to have someone help them go to the toilet or to pull on their underwear or to get in bed. Come on, let's be real here. These are very personal services, which for some people are essential for them to participate fully in the community and even have a chance for a job and be productive, contributing members of their communities and of our great American society. And it's a darn shame that people have to check themselves into a nursing home or a state institution just so that they can get the basic supports that they need to exist with no control anymore over when and how those services are delivered, no choice over who is delivering them. This is a matter of basic human dignity as well as rights. And it's time for the status quo to end!”
Dawn Russell of ADAPT testified that the CCA is the most important bipartisan disability rights legislation of our time and that it must continue to be a top priority for Harkin, Davis, and our community as a whole. “We have a window of opportunity; now a fresh breeze of hope and change are blowing through it! ...Pick up you tool of choice and get to work!”. Marty Ford of the CCD testified that the institutional bias continues and waiting lists for community services continue to impede independent living. She noted that people with disabilities need to be included in healthcare reform and that the CCA is the solution and now is the time. Mitch LaPlante of the USCSF testified about his research; outlining the need for the CCA to be rescored by the Congressional Budget Office and the realistic cost of the bill. He agreed with Senator Harkin that this national problem needs a national solution. Victor Robinson of SABE announced the organization’s support of the CCA and offered a personal account of the need for the legislation. “Why do people have to wait so long just to live in the community, close to their family and friends? We must change that, and we will!” Andy Imparato testified to the civil rights aspect of the CAA, and said that the promises of the ADA, Independent Living, and the ADA Amendments Act could never be a true reality without the CCA.
Watch a video (captioned). If the video does not load, visit http://www.tvworldwide.com/events/cca_intro/090324/.
Senate Finance Subcommittee Hearing on the Role of Long-Term Care in Health Care Reform
On Wednesday, March 25th, the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health had a hearing to look at the role of Long-Term Care in Health Care Reform. Jason Beloungy, NCIL Healthcare Policy Fellow, attended the hearing along with a large group from ADAPT and many other interested people. The witnesses called to testify included: Judy Feder, PhD., Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress Action Fund (testimony PDF); Raymond C. Scheppach, PhD., Executive Director, National Governors Association (testimony PDF); Dennis G. Smith, Senior Research Fellow in Health Care Reform, The Heritage Foundation (testimony PDF); Joshua M. Wiener, PhD., Senior Fellow, RTI International (testimony PDF).
There was a lot of terrific discussion that brought many issues that impact people with disabilities into the mainstream discussion about healthcare reform. Dr. Feder listed a few options to incorporate LTC into health reform including broadening Medical Assistance support for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). She specifically cited the Community Choice Act, which drew cheers from the audience. She felt that it was necessary to improve service delivery for dual eligible beneficiaries and improve payment methods for services. She also suggested phasing in a new Long-Term Care Insurance program into the Medicare benefit. Finally, Dr. Feder discussed the creation of a voluntary public long-term care insurance program, such as the CLASS Act.
Another highlight of the hearing came from an unlikely source. Dennis Smith, who is now with the conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation, was the former CMS Director of the Center for Medicaid and State Operations. Many advocates in the disability community were at odds with the actions of Mr. Smith during his tenure at CMS. However, in his testimony at the hearing he sounded like an ally. Mr. Smith first made clear that his testimony was not representative of his current or former employer. He then talked about some recommendations he felt were important for including long-term care into healthcare reform.
His first recommendation was to reorganize Medicaid so that it levels the playing field, so that institutionalization is not a mandate and HCBS an option. To further his point, Mr. Smith stated that a new agency should be created to focus on the needs of people with disabilities. Mr. Smith also talked about his idea of “Life Accounts” that could be used for purchasing services for independent living.
The final witness to speak, Dr. Weiner, also referenced the Community Choice Act and CLASS ACT as viable methods to access home and community based services.
Finally, while discussing healthcare for people with disabilities, Chairman Rockefeller asked if any of the members of ADAPT who were in attendance wished to comment. Chris Hilderbrandt came to the witness table and answered some questions from the Chairman, and talked about healthcare concerns and the need for supports in order to have quality care in the community.
Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2009 Introduced!
S. 700 and H.R. 1708 would eliminate the unjustifiable two-year delay in coverage for people with significant disabilities who are waiting to become eligible for Medicare coverage. Nearly 40% of people with disabilities are without health insurance at some point during their wait for Medicare, and 24% for the duration. Many cannot afford to pay COBRA premiums to maintain coverage from their former employer, and private coverage on the individual market is unavailable or too expensive for this high-cost population. As in the 110th Session of Congress, NCIL strongly supports this much needed legislation.
Vice President Biden Announces $250 Recovery Payments to Go to Social Security and SSI Beneficiaries in May
Vice President Joe Biden and Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, announced that the federal government will send out a onetime payment of $250 in economic recovery payments to all people who receive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits beginning in early May 2009 and continuing throughout the month except for those receiving Medicaid in care facilities. No action is required to get the payment, the economic recovery payments will be sent separately from the person’s regular monthly payment. To receive the payment, the individual must be eligible for Social Security or SSI during the months of November 2008, December 2008 or January 2009. The legislation also provides for a one-time payment to Veterans Affairs (VA) and Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) beneficiaries. If someone receives Social Security and SSI, VA or RRB benefits, he or she will receive only one $250 payment. People getting Social Security or SSI should not contact the agency unless a payment is not received by June 4, 2009. For more detailed information about the $250 one-time economic recovery payments, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/payment. To learn more about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, go to www.recovery.gov.
Congress Reintroduced to CLASS Act
Source: www.thelongtermcaresolution.org
Earlier today, Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Reps. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and John Dingell (D-MI) reintroduced the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act of 2009, which would create an insurance program for adults who become functionally disabled.
...The bill would create a national insurance trust, which would provide a cash benefit to help obtain services and supports. That cash benefit would allow those with disabilities to have more choices and opportunities in how and where they choose to live.
“As America continues to age, we are faced with an impending crisis in long-term care that has been ignored for too long,” Pallone said in a release. “As we work to reform our health care system, we must not forget those Americans in need of community services. The CLASS Act offers a new approach that is smart and compassionate. It will give those with functional disabilities the means to maintain their lifestyles, to stay with their families and to remain productive members of their communities.”
The insurance trust would be financed by voluntary payroll deductions. A person 18 years or older would be qualified to receive benefits after five years of contribution to the program. Under the measure, all working adults would be automatically enrolled in the program, unless they choose to opt out.
“The bill we propose is a long overdue effort to offer greater dignity, greater hope, and greater opportunity,” Kennedy said. “It makes a simple pact with all Americans – ‘If you work hard and contribute, society will take care of you when you fall on hard times.”
NCIL Needs Your Input Regarding Veterans Issues in Order to Pursue IL Funding
Steve Thovson, Chair of the NCIL Veterans Subcommittee, hereby requests information from the NCIL membership about CIL services to veterans. The Subcommittee is working on a strategy NCIL can use to seek funding for CILs to serve veterans through outreach, direct services, etc. As part of that process we need to know:
- more about CILs’ work with veterans around the country (please include a brief description of your work and the number of people served, if available);
- if you are contracting for services with the Veterans Administration (VA), we would like to learn about what you are doing, including your experiences trying to become a subcontractor with companies who have been awarded contracts to provide services for the VA.
Please email Steve at: steve@swcil.com. Thanks for your assistance!
Disability Scoop: Kareem Dale, Top White House Aide, Talks Disability Policy
Source: Disability Scoop, by Michelle Diament
In February Vice President Joe Biden announced the selection of Kareem Dale as the first ever special assistant to the president for disability policy. Now, in an exclusive interview with Disability Scoop, Dale defends the president following his misstep on The Tonight Show last week and talks about what’s next in the administration’s plans for people with disabilities. Read the Interview.
NCD Hosts Teleconference on Two Recent Reports, NCIL Policy Analyst Elizabeth Leef Scheduled to Speak
In response to numerous requests, NCD has arranged for telephone access for those who would like to listen to the release proceedings of two important NCD reports on March 31, 2009, at the NCD quarterly meeting in Washington. The toll-free, call-in, listen-only number for each event is 888-790-6568, and the pass code is “NCD Meeting.”
The two releases are:
- Federal Employment of People with Disabilities (An evaluation of the employment of people with disabilities within the Federal Government): 10:15 a.m. EDT – 11:00 a.m. EDT. Speaker: Susan Parker, Director of Policy Development, Office of Disability Employment Policy, US Department of Labor; and
- National Disability Policy: A Progress Report (This is the mandated report to the President and Congress prepared by the Council which includes 17 recommendations): 3:45 p.m. EDT – 5:00 p.m. EDT. Speakers: Elizabeth Leef, Policy Analyst, National Council on Independent Living; John D. Kemp, Principal, Powers, Pyles, Sutter & Verville; Peter Thomas, Principal, Powers, Pyles, Sutter & Verville and Co-Chair of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Health Task Force.
Specific times are also designated to receive public comment, supported by a toll-free call-in line, and input is encouraged and greatly appreciated. Individuals or organizations can also provide written comments by e-mail, fax, or mail. Public comment sessions will be held Monday, March 30 from 11:30 a.m. until noon EDT, and on Tuesday, March 31 from 1 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. EDT. The reports will be posted prior to each release at http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/index.htm.
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March 30, 2009