Today is the national call-in day to save the “Money Follows The Person” program. Nineteen years ago—on June 22, 1999—the Supreme Court of the United States held in Olmstead v. L.C. that the unjustified segregation of persons with disabilities violates Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act affirming the right of disabled people to live, work, and participate in their communities. A federal grant program “Money Follows the Person” (MFP) was established by Congress in 2005 to provide support for home and community based service and away from institutional care.
Since then, MFP has helped more than 75,000 seniors and people with disabilities move out of nursing homes and institutions, saved states money, and improved overall quality of life for people with disabilities and older Americans. It is no surprise that nearly every state has taken advantage of the program.
Sadly, federal support for MFP expired on September 30, 2016, and states are running out of funding. As a result, essential programs are being reduced or even eliminated. Last year was the first time since the program began eighteen years ago that the number of people who transitioned or moved back into the community declined.
Without action NOW, more people with disabilities and older Americans will be stuck in institutions. Thankfully, there is a solution. Bipartisan legislation introduced in both the House and Senate, the EMPOWER Care Act, would improve and extend the program for five years. Please urge Congress to renew federal support for “Money Follows the Person” by cosponsoring the EMPOWER Care Act.
What You Can Do
Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 or (202) 224-3091 (TTY) to connect to the office of your Senators and Representatives. Ask your legislators to extend “Money Follows the Person” by cosponsoring the EMPOWER Care Act. Please call the offices of elected officials in your state (even if they aren’t listed).
Senators
Sen. Isakson (GA)
Sen. Ernst (IA)
Sen. Grassley (IA)
Sen. Crapo (ID)
Sen. Roberts (KS)
Sen. Cassidy (LA)
Sen. Blunt (MO)
Sen. Burr (NC)
Sen. Heller (NV)
Sen. Scott (SC)
Sen. Cornyn (TX)
Sen. Capito (WV)
Representatives
Rep. Coffman (CO)
Rep. Lamborn (CO)
Rep. Tipton (CO)
Rep. Roskam (IL)
Rep. Harper (MS)
Rep. Donovan (NY)
Rep. Griffith (OK)
Rep. McMorris Rodgers (WA)
Rep. Sensenbrenner (WI)
Sample Script
Hello, this is [Name]. I live in [Town, State].
I’m calling about the expiration of funding for “Money Follow the Person” and urge [insert name of elected official] to support [“Senate Bill 2227” if calling the Senate, and “H. R. HR 5306” if calling the House of Representatives] to reauthorize the program.
MFP gives 75,000 seniors and people with disabilities forced into institutions the means to move back to their communities. In addition, MFP provides the means for some to not only return home but to also start a job or go to college, reducing to the burden on federal programs. Furthermore, MFP is fiscally responsible. Since 2005, MFP has improved the quality of life for thousands of people while SAVING STATES MONEY. Sadly, funding for the program expired in September 2016 and states are scaling back these cost-effective, essential programs. Without funding, they may have to eliminate them.
As a constituent, I’m asking [elected official] to cosponsor and support the EMPOWER Care Act and reauthorize Money Follows the Person Program.
Thank you for taking my call!
[IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: please leave your full street address and zip code to ensure your call is counted]
[Optional Add On]
Personal stories are an effective form of advocacy. Talk about why “Money Follows the Person” is important for you, and for those you know and love.
Links To Additional Resources
- Center for Public Representation Money Follows the Person Stories, Stats, and Brief
- EMPOWER Care Act Summary, Bill Language and Talking Points
- CMS report to President and Congress: MFP Rebalancing Demonstration
- Background on the ADA and Olmstead