The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that people with disabilities and older adults are most at risk when in nursing homes and congregate settings. Meaningful investments in Home and Community-Based Services are one of the most important steps Congress can take to safeguard the disability community. The fourth package must fund HCBS grants, such as the ones found in the Coronavirus Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act (H.R. 6305/S. 3544), to support the Direct Support Professional, Personal Care Attendant, and Home Health Workforce.
Without additional resources, aging adults and people with disabilities will be forced out of their homes and communities and into congregate settings, at grave risk to their health, as is demonstrated by severe and persistent outbreaks in nursing facilities. Forcing individuals into congregate facilities not only risks their health, but is also a violation of their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead v. L.C.
In addition to specific funding for HCBS, I also urge Congress to heed the recommendation of the National Governors Association and swiftly implement increased funding for Medicaid via an FMAP increase of at least 12%. While a general FMAP increase will not replace the need for targeted, emergency HCBS funding, it will reduce the risk that these services might be further slashed in the coming months as strains on state budgets increase.
