Inclusion Daily Express -- Harkin Introduces Community Choices Act Into Senate

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Harkin Introduces Community Choices Act Into Senate
By Dave Reynolds, Inclusion Daily Express
March 13, 2007

WASHINGTON, DC--Senator Tom Harkin, who chairs the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has introduced S. 799, the "Community Choice Act of 2007", into the U.S. Senate.

The bill, introduced last Wednesday, would change Title 19 of the Social Security Act to allow people receiving long-term care funds to have equal access to community-based, in-home services as an alternative to nursing homes and other institutions.

According to a press statement from the Iowa Democrat's office, the measure would also provide federal funds to help states develop their own home and community-based services systems, and create a demonstration project to look at ways to better coordinate services and share costs for people who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare.

"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 legislation is needed to truly bring people with disabilities into the mainstream of society and provide equal opportunity for employment and community activities."

"This vital legislation will open the door to full participation by people with disabilities in our neighborhoods, workplaces, economy, and our American Dream," Harkin added.

As of this writing, the text of S. 799 had not been added to the Senate's website.

Copyright © 2007 Inonit Publishing
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