Dingell Applauds HHS ACA Announcement to Support States in Strengthening Community Living

Press Release

Today, Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives, John D. Dingell (D-MI15) applauded the Administration's Health and Human Services (HHS) Affordable Care Act (ACA) announcement offering grants to support states' efforts to strengthen community living.

Because of the Affordable Care Act, states will see significant new federal assistance to help move Medicaid beneficiaries out of institutions and into their own homes or other community settings now and in the near future.

The Affordable Care Act provides additional funding for the Community First Choice Option program. In addition, HHS has proposed rules to allow all States to access a potential of $3.7 billion in increased federal funding to provide long-term services and supports through the Community First Choice Option program.

"I applaud Secretary Sebelius's leadership to aptly get the Affordable Care Act achieving its intended goals," said Dingell. "Providing states adequate funding to implement long-term community care services for our Medicaid beneficiaries is a critical step to advancing the care for these valued members of our society."

Starting in October, this option will allow States to receive a six percent increase in federal matching funds for providing community-based attendant services and supports to people with Medicaid. Over the next three years--through 2014--States could see a total of $3.7 billion in new funds to provide these services. The proposed rule describing the details of this program can be found at: http://www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2011-03946_PI.pdf.

"With this new option, states can now offer additional resources to make community living a first choice, and leave nursing homes and institutions as a fall back option instead of the first or only choice for people with Medicaid who need long term care," said Dingell. "And this change will be a good thing."

Congressman Dingell has for years been a leading advocate for health care reform funding for states and community long term care. He continues vigorous oversight in the 112th Congress to see that the implementation of and funding for the Affordable Care Act law, of which he is the author, are done in a fully fair manner that benefits all Americans.

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