The future of a program that has helped more than 75,000 seniors and individuals with disabilities move out of nursing homes and institutions is in jeopardy.
Enacted in 2005 with strong bipartisan support, Money Follows the Person (MFP) is one of the longest running, most successful Medicaid demonstrations.
MFP significantly improves the lives of older adults and people with disabilities through assisting them to effectively transition out of long term institutional settings. By favoring community-based services, states save money and see better outcomes. That’s why nearly every state has participated in the program!
Independent evaluations have proven MFP improves the quality of life for individuals, and reduced Medicaid and Medicare expenditures by approximately 23%. Unfortunately, MFP expired September 30, 2016, and states are running out of funding. Seven states are already out of funding and ALL programs will end by the end of 2018. Congress must ACT NOW!
States have already stopped transitions to the community and are scaling back their programs, reducing dedicated staff and crucial resources Without action NOW, the states will lose momentum and more people will be stuck in institutions.
Sens. Portman (R-OH) and Cantwell (D-WA) have introduced bipartisan legislation (EMPOWER Care Act - S. 2227) to improve and extend the program for five years, and a House bill (H.R. 5306) was introduced last week.
Urge your Members of Congress to co-sponsor and support the bill!
