COVID-19 Bill and Disabilities Services

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Include Disabilities in COVID-19 Bill

Dear [Decision Maker],

I am deeply concerned about the impact of the forthcoming COVID-19 stimulus package on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), their families and the people who support them direct support professionals (DSPs). As of right now, I/DD supports are NOT included!

It's vitally important the COVID-19 package $75 billion clarifies eligible "care" includes home- and community-based disability supports!

I am concerned about the current appropriations language in a Public Health and Social Service Emergency Fund. The word "care" creates ambiguity about what services are eligible for these critical resources. Specifically, the existing language would allow the Health & Human Services Secretary to restrict which types of settings have access to these dollars.

Please include stronger, clearer language to ensure that providers of home- and community-based services, who are on the front-lines of this pandemic, won't be excluded from this important fund. To maintain the health and civil rights of people with IDD, I also advocate for:

Additional funding to create a Medicaid grant program to support access to home and community-based services (that combat institutionalization) and to support the direct support professional (DSP) workforce.

A permanent re-authorization of the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program.

Raising Medicaid, SSI, and SNAP asset limits for stimulus payments.

Boosting Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for the crisis.

Paid leave for caregivers for people with disabilities.

No limitations on disability rights protections provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Affordable Care Act.

I appreciate your consideration and support for some of the most vulnerable in our nation.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]