Important Federal Legislation Re-Introduced

[Guest guest]

Dear Friend of ASO:

Information on the re-introduction of the MiCASSA Bill in the Senate. A brief explanation of the bill follows my signature. Please contact Senators DeWine and Voinovich to support this bill. Visit www.senate.gov and enter your zipcode to get their contact information.

Sincerely,

Barbara C. YavorcikPresidentAutism Society of Ohio701 S. Main St.Akron, OH 44311(330) 376-0211fax: (330) 376-1226email: askASO@...home: byavorcik@...web: www.autismohio.org2005 ASO Bi-Annual Conference"Reaching Beyond the Horizon - Challenging the Autism Spectrum"Friday and Saturday, October 14-15, 2005 Kingsgate Marriott in Cincinnati, Ohio Please note: This is provided for information purposes only. The ASO does not endorse or recommend any providers, methodologies or services. Providing this information should not be construed as an endorsement by the ASO, either explicit or impiled.

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"MiCASSA Re-Introduced in Senate"[Please THANK your Senators if they are MiCASSA cosponsors, or ask your Senators to become cosponsors. For contact information visit http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm A Press Release From Senator Tom Harkin:HARKIN INTRODUCES BILL TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICESLegislation would increase access for people with disabilities and older Americans WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2005Washington, D.C.-- Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that he introduced the Medicaid Community-Based Attendant Services and Supports Act of 2005 (MICASSA). The legislation, co-sponsored by Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), would increase access to community-based services and supports to Americans with disabilities and older Americans. "I strongly believe that it is important to level the playing field and give eligible individuals equal access to community-based services and supports," Harkin said. "This vital legislation will open the door to full participation by people with disabilities in our neighborhoods, workplaces, our economy, and our American Dream." Specifically, MICASSA gives individuals who are currently eligible for nursing home services and institutional facilities equal access to community-based attendant services and supports, and establishes a demonstration project to evaluate service coordination and cost sharing approaches for those eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. The legislation also provides additional funding to states to help them reform their long term care systems and increase the provision of home and community based services. "This legislation is needed to truly bring people with disabilities into the mainstream of society and provide equal opportunity for employment and community activities," Harkin said. The following Senators co-sponsored the Harkin-Specter legislation: Kennedy (D-MA), Kerry (D-MA), ph Biden (D-DE), Mark Dayton (D-MN), Landrieu (D-LA), Jon Corzine (D-NJ), Schumer (D-NY), Lautenberg (D-NJ), ph Lieberman (D-CT), and Dodd (D-CT). http://harkin.senate.gov/news.cfm?id=232219