National Call-In Day May 13:
Ensure Long-Term Services and Supports are Included in Health Care
Reform

Background:
In coming weeks, the Senate will finalize legislation to reform
America's health care system. Long-term services and supports
are essential to individuals with disabilities and seniors and must be
included.

* While over 48 million Americans do not have medical insurance,
over 250 million Americans lack any insurance protection for the
costs of long-term services.
* Nearly half of all funding for long-term services is provided
through Medicaid that requires individuals to impoverish
themselves to receive supports.
* There is an institutional bias within Medicaid that denies
Americans with disabilities an equal choice for home and
community services.
* Hundreds of thousands of individuals with disabilities and their
families are on waiting lists for Medicaid home and
community-based services.

Proposals exist to help address these issues. However, they will
only be included within health care reform legislation if Congress
hears from you. Aging and disability organizations have joined
together to host a national call-in day on Wednesday, May 13.
Please join thousands of others across the country in calling your
Senators to tell them how important it is to include long-term
services and supports. Your calls can make a difference!

Call-In Information:
When: Wednesday, May 13 (Between 8AM and 6PM EDT)
Call-In Number: 1-866-459-9232 (Toll Free)

You will be asked which state you are calling from and will be
connected to your Senators' offices. Below is a sample
script to leave a message.

"Hello (state your name and where you are calling from). I'm
calling to ask the Senator to help make sure long-term services and
supports are part of health care reform. Long-term services and
supports are essential to the health, well-being, and community
participation of individuals with disabilities and
seniors. Please ensure long-term services and supports are
included in legislation to reform health care. Thank you."

ASA, in collaboration with the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD)
hope that you will participate in the National Call-In Day May 13: Ensure
Long-Term Services and Supports are Included in Health Care Reform.