Tom Harkin: “today I, along with Senator Smith, introduce the Money Follows the Person Act of 2005. This legislation is needed to…”

“today I, along with Senator Smith, introduce the Money Follows the Person Act of 2005. This legislation is needed to truly bring people with disabilities into the mainstream of society and provide equal opportunity for employment and community activities. In order to work or live in their own homes, Americans with disabilities need access to community-based services and supports. Unfortunately, under current Federal Medicaid policy, the deck is stacked in favor of living in an institution. The purpose of this bill is to level the playing field and give eligible individuals equal access to community-based services and supports. Under our legislation, the Medicaid money paid by states and the Federal government would follow the person with a disability from an institution into the community. This legislation provides 100 percent Federal reimbursement for the community services that an individual needs during the first year that they move out of an institution or nursing home.”