Monday, June 8, 2009

NEWS: Federal H.R. 2688: Empowered at Home Act would assist home and community-based services for disabilities

On June 3, 2009, H.R. 2688, the Empowered at Home Act of 2009, was introduced in the U.S. House and has been sent to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce (Chairman: Rep. Henry Waxman).

Federal News Long Term Services and Supports

"Representatives Frank Pallone [Jr.] (D-NJ) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) introduced the Empowered at Home Act [of 2009], H.R 2688. This bill would remove barriers to providing home and community-based services (HCBS) under the Medicaid State plan amendment option for individuals in need by
1) increasing the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP);
2) revising the income eligibility to up to 300% of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit rate; and
3) giving states the option to provide HCBS waiver services to prevent, delay, or decrease the likelihood of institutionalized care."

From the Capitol Insider, Volume 14, Issue 22, June 8, 2009
Disability Collaboration: A Partnership of The Arc & United Cerebral Palsy
To sign up for the Capitol Insider

Open Congress tracking on HR 2688


Other blog posts on HR 2688,

HR2688, To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to improve ...
HR 2688 would amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to improve the State plan amendment option for providing home and community-based services under the Medicaid Program....

June 02, 2009 H.R. 2688: To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to ...
A bill inthe US Congress: To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to improve the State plan amendment option for providing home and community-based services under the Medicaid Program, and for other purposes.

Other resources:

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