HARKIN INTRODUCES BILL TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES
February 16, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Allison Dobson / Maureen Knightly

Washington, D.C.— Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that he introduced the Medicaid Community-Based Attendant Services and Supports Act of 2005 (MICASSA). The legislation, co-sponsored by Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), would increase access to community-based services and supports to Americans with disabilities and older Americans.

“I strongly believe that it is important to level the playing field and give eligible individuals equal access to community-based services and supports,” Harkin said. “This vital legislation will open the door to full participation by people with disabilities in our neighborhoods, workplaces, our economy, and our American Dream.”

Specifically, MICASSA gives individuals who are currently eligible for nursing home services and institutional facilities equal access to community-based attendant services and supports, and establishes a demonstration project to evaluate service coordination and cost sharing approaches for those eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. The legislation also provides additional funding to states to help them reform their long term care systems and increase the provision of home and community based services.

“This legislation is needed to truly bring people with disabilities into the mainstream of society and provide equal opportunity for employment and community activities,” Harkin said.

The following Senators co-sponsored the Harkin-Specter legislation: Edward Kennedy (D-MA),John Kerry (D-MA), Joseph Biden (D-DE), Mark Dayton (D-MN), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Jon Corzine (D-NJ), Charles Schumer (D-NY),Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Joseph Lieberman (D-CT), and Christopher Dodd (D-CT).

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