Tom Harkin: “today, Senator Smith and I and others introduce the Money Follows the Person Act of 2003. This legislation is needed to…”

“today, Senator Smith and I and others introduce the Money Follows the Person Act of 2003. This legislation is needed to truly bring people with disabilities and older Americans 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 and older Americans 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 our 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. By fully reimbursing the States, it gives them some additional resources to allow people with disabilities and older Americans to choose to live in the community.”