As of 2014, the Center for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) is responsible for at least half of all public funding in every state for long-term support services (LTSS) for people with disabilities and have recently revised Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) regulations with an opportunity to open many doors for the future of housing options for people with disabilities. However, different state interpretations of these new regulations can also close the door to many desperately needed, affordable and accessible housing options.
In just several months, the Coalition for Community Choice (CCC) has grown into a robust network of organizations, which are dedicated to increasing options and decreasing barriers to housing choice for people with disabilities. Yesterday, 40 organizations from more than 16 states signed the following letter to Marilyn Tavenner, Administrator of CMS, to introduce their new, national coalition and thank her team for developing more “outcome-oriented” guidelines for HCBS settings.
CCC’s collective goal is that CMS and State Directors of Developmental Disability Agencies, will continue to hear the voices of those who want expanded, not restricted, home and community options.
If you agree that people with disabilities should have the broadest range of affordable and accessible housing options or you would like more information, please contact Desiree at DKameka@MadisonHouseAutism.org to add your name and/or organization to the growing list of CCC supporters and stay connected for future advocacy alerts.
Click the image below to read the full letter:
The American Mother, Winter 2014
