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AAPD Looks Forward to the Recommendations of the Federal Commission on Long-Term Care

First public hearing held today

June 27, 2013 | AAPD Press Team

WASHINGTON, DC (June 27, 2013) – Today, the Commission on Long-Term Care held its first public meeting to address America’s long-term services and supports needs.

The President appointed three Commissioners to the 15-member Commission earlier this year, including Henry Claypool, the Executive Vice President of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). AAPD is hopeful that the Commission will prioritize the concerns of people with disabilities and older Americans.

“We commend President Obama for appointing AAPD’s Executive Vice President, Henry Claypool, who is the only strongly identified American with a disability on the Commission,” said AAPD President & CEO Mark Perriello. “We encourage the Commission to strengthen Medicaid to better serve people with disabilities and older Americans in their homes and communities, and provide alternatives to better support workers with disabilities.”

Medicaid is the primary payer of long-term services and supports for people with disabilities since they are denied private long-term care insurance based on preexisting conditions. Further, those who work are forced to impoverish themselves in order to stay on Medicaid.

The Commission’s compressed timeframe requires extraordinary leadership. AAPD is hopeful that the urgency of the Commission’s charge will help Congress seriously consider America’s unsustainable system for addressing long-term care.

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The American Association of People with Disabilities is the nation's largest disability rights organization. We promote equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation for people with disabilities. Our members, including people with disabilities and our family, friends, and supporters, represent a powerful force for change. To learn more, visit the AAPD Web site: www.aapd.com.