August 27, 2024
Background: Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) are essential for millions of Americans with disabilities, older adults, and those with chronic conditions. These services enable individuals to live independently in their communities, avoiding costly institutional care and preserving their dignity and quality of life.
The Issue: Despite the critical importance of HCBS, funding and access to these services remain inadequate. Many individuals face long waiting lists, limited service availability, and overburdened caregivers. Without sufficient funding and legislative support, countless people may be forced into institutional settings, contrary to the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision.
Key Legislation: Several key bills currently before Congress aim to address these challenges and ensure robust support for HCBS:
- HCBS Access Act (H.R. 1493 and S. 762): Establishes permanent, mandatory funding for HCBS, expanding access and ensuring equitable availability across states.
- HCBS Relief Act (H.R. 6296 and S. 3118): Provides emergency funding to sustain HCBS during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Better Care Better Jobs Act (H.R. 547 and S. 100): Invests in the HCBS workforce, improving pay, benefits, and working conditions for direct support professionals.
- Latonya Reeves Freedom Act (H.R. 2708 and S. 1193): Strengthens the rights of individuals with disabilities to live in their communities by eliminating barriers to HCBS.
Our Ask: We are calling on Congress to not only fund HCBS but also to support these critical bills that will enhance and protect the availability of these services:
Take Action: We urge you to contact your Members of Congress today and ask them to:
- Co-sponsor and vote in favor of these critical bills.
- Ensure that funding for HCBS is prioritized and sustainable.
- Protect the rights of individuals with disabilities to live independently in their communities.
How You Can Help:
- Use NCIL’s Action Center to contact your Members of Congress, the President, and the Vice President on this issue.
- Make a phone call: Find your Senators at senate.gov and your Representative at house.gov. Contact them using the information provided.
- Send an email / use a contact form: Customize the sample email provided below and send it to your Members of Congress.
- Share on social media: Spread the word on social media using the hashtag #FundHCBS and tag your Members of Congress.
Sample Email:
Subject: Support Critical HCBS Legislation
Dear [Senator / Representative] [Last Name],
I am writing to urge you to support and co-sponsor key legislation that will strengthen Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) for individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with chronic conditions.
Specifically, I ask you to support the following bills:
- HCBS Access Act (H.R. 1493 and S. 762)
- HCBS Relief Act (H.R. 6296 and S. 3118)
- Better Care Better Jobs Act (H.R. 547 and S. 100)
- Latonya Reeves Freedom Act (H.R. 2708 / S. 1193)
These bills are crucial in ensuring that all eligible individuals can access the services they need to live independently in their communities. Without proper funding and legislative support, many people may be forced into institutional care, which is not only more costly but also contrary to the principles of the ADA and the Olmstead decision.
Please prioritize these bills and help ensure that HCBS receives the support it deserves.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP]