Funding home- and community-based services (HCBS) is more crucial than ever during the ongoing pandemic, when service providers face funding shortfalls and need additional supplies, like masks and gloves. Without emergency funding, many community service providers may be forced to close, placing the people who rely on them at risk of institutionalization. HCBS funding has not been included in any of the COVID relief legislation passed since the beginning of the pandemic, but we’re about to change that. Join our week of action and call on your Senators to fund Medicaid home-and community-based services in the COVID-19 relief bill!

COVID relief should ensure that community-based service providers can stay in business so our community members can stay out of institutions, where almost half of COVID deaths have occurred. We can make that happen by calling our Senators and urging them to fight for emergency HCBS funding in the new COVID relief bill. The House has already included funding for these critical services in their version of the bill, so now we need to make sure the Senate does the same.

Here’s how to join our week of action:

• Join our Facebook event for updates, scripts and tips on how to contact your elected officials.
• Call your two Senators! You can use our script:

Hello! My name is [your full name], and I am from [city]. I’m calling to ask Senator [Name] to make sure the Senate’s COVID relief package includes emergency funding for Medicaid home- and community-based services.

Home and community-based services funded by Medicaid allow people with disabilities like [me/ my family member/ my friends/ my neighbor/ etc.] to continue living safely at home. These services keep people with disabilities out of institutions, where COVID-19 is currently killing thousands. Because of the pandemic, community-based service providers are struggling to stay open, and without emergency funds, some will be forced to close. 

The House has already included emergency funding for Medicaid home- and community-based services in their COVID relief bill. We just need the Senate to include it too. This funding is a life and death issue for disabled [residents of your state]. Can I count on Senator [Name] to stand up for people with disabilities by making sure that funding is in the Senate bill?

• Once you’ve called your Senators, keep up the pressure! You can also email or tweet at your Senators and let them know #MedicaidCantWait

Have call anxiety, or wondering what to expect from a call to your elected officials? Check out this guide to making a call to your members of Congress. Unable to speak on a phone call due to a disability? Check out our Proxy Calling System here. Want to help someone else make a call? Consider signing up to be a proxy caller.

It’s long past time for people with disabilities to have equal opportunities and equal protection from this deadly virus. With every call, you bring us closer to making that a reality. Together, we’ll keep speaking out until all of us have the care and services we need to make it through COVID-19 safely.

Autistic Self Advocacy Network

PO Box 66122
Washington, DC 20035

 

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