As you may have heard, the United States Senate is expected to vote soon on the American Healthcare Act, revised from a version passed by the House. Numerous disability-related organizations and advocacy groups are expressing concern that provisions of the Act – in particular Medicaid cuts – would impact future supports and services for people with disabilities. Watch a video explaining “per capita caps” such as those called for in the Act, and how the caps would limit the state’s ability to continue funding services and supports at the level they do now.
[button url=”http://www.kff.org/medicaid/video/medicaids-role-whats-at-stake-under-a-block-grant-or-per-capita-cap/” color=”orange”]Watch the Video[/button]
Also below are links to a few of the organizations we are hearing from, as well as a link to identify your US Senator and Representative, if you wish to do so.
The Arc of the United States
The Arc is the largest national community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The Arc follows public policy primarily at the national level that potentially impacts people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Sign up for updates from the Arc’s Disability Advocacy Network. Read articles and updates from the Arc’s Insider Blog.
The National Disability Rights Network
NDRN is the nonprofit membership organization for the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and the Client Assistance Programs (CAP) for individuals with disabilities. Collectively, the Network is the largest provider of legally based advocacy services to people with disabilities in the United States. Read about disability related public policy and advocacy.
TASH
Founded in 1975, TASH advocates for human rights and inclusion for people with significant disabilities and support needs – those most vulnerable to segregation, abuse, neglect and institutionalization. TASH works to advance inclusive communities through advocacy, research, professional development, policy, and information and resources for parents, families and self-advocates.
National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals
NADSP values the full participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life through the provision of person-centered supports. We believe that high quality support requires all professionals to follow the individual path suggested by the unique gifts, preferences, and needs of each person they support, and to walk in partnership with the person, and those who love him or her, toward a life of opportunity, well-being, freedom, and contribution.
Kaiser Foundation
Kaiser Foundation is a nonprofit organization focusing on national health issues, as well as the U.S. role in global health policy. Kaiser serves as a non-partisan source of facts, analysis and journalism for policymakers, the media, the health policy community and the public.
National Health Law Program
The National Health Law Program (NHeLP) protects and advances the health rights of low-income and underserved individuals and families. NHeLP advocates, educates and litigates at the federal and state levels.
Missouri Budget Project
The Missouri Budget Project is a nonprofit, objective, public policy analysis organization that provides independent research on complex state policy issues and how they impact all Missourians. The Missouri Budget Project works to enhance the ability of all Missourians to participate in the public debate and ensure that advocates, policy makers, and the public have the information needed to create sound fiscal policies. Sign up for e-news from the Missouri Budget Project.
The Missouri Foundation for Health
As a catalyst for change, Missouri Foundation for Health improves the health of Missourians through partnership, experience, knowledge, and funding. The Foundation takes a multifaceted approach to health issues, understanding that programs, policy, and collaboration all play a role in creating lasting impact. They provide up-to-date nonpartisan information and data on issues being addressed in Missouri to help our partners navigate the state’s policy making process. Sign up for email updates from Missouri Foundation for Health.
Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council
Developmental Disabilities Councils have played a critical role at the state and federal levels in helping all states and territories develop, improve, and expand the system of services and supports for people with developmental disabilities. The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council’s public policy specialist sends regular updates on particular legislation impacting Missourians with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To sign up for updates, email Christie Holterman.
Paraquad
Paraquad is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower people with disabilities to increase their independence through choice and opportunity. They have an active, nonpartisan public policy and advocacy department, and send informative legislative updates and notifications regarding opportunities for advocacy. To subscribe for updates, email advocacy@paraquad.org.