Arlen Specter: “That $2 million will be utilized from an existing fund for a demonstration project to test the effectiveness of…”

“That $2 million will be utilized from an existing fund for a demonstration project to test the effectiveness of providing attendant care services to individuals with disabilities, regardless of age. Every State in the country currently provides long-term services to eligible individuals who require the assistance of an attendant in nursing homes or other institutions. However, under a curious provision of the current Medicaid law, these individuals are not guaranteed the right to remain in their own homes and communities while receiving the assistance of an attendant as an alternative to institutional care. I have sought to persuade the Secretary of Health and Human Services to change this provision in the Medicaid Program, and I wrote to Secretary Shalala accordingly on February 28, 1997.”