Improving access to affordable, comprehensive health care has been a high priority for the disability community for decades. Several provisions of the America's Affordable Health Choices Act (H.R. 3200) will make significant strides toward meeting that goal. For example the legislation includes:
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In addition, the Energy and Commerce Committee's version of the bill includes the Community Living Assistance Supports and Services (CLASS) Act, a new voluntary long term care insurance program that would help enable many people with functional impairments, like those experienced by people with cerebral palsy, to receive services and supports in the community.
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We look forward to working with Members of Congress to ensure passage of strong health reform legislation that expands access to affordable, comprehensive health and long term services and supports for persons with disabilities.
Stephen Bennett
President & CEO, United Cerebral Palsy
-- Major insurance market reforms such as the elimination of discrimination based on health status, a prohibition on pre-existing condition exclusions, guaranteed issue and renewal requirements, and elimination of annual and lifetime caps; -- Expanded eligibility for Medicaid health care services for people with disabilities and those with low incomes; -- A substantial expansion of access to affordable coverage through credits for the purchase of insurance through the new Health Insurance Exchange.
SOURCE United Cerebral Palsy
