For Immediate Release: November 19, 2021
Washington, DC - The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Build Back Better Act (H.R.5376) which includes the largest investment ever to expand Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). This unprecedented investment of $150 billion for HCBS will afford new opportunities for millions of people with disabilities, including psychiatric disabilities, to receive services in their own homes and communities. The pandemic has made the need for the expansion of community-based services even more urgent. "We are encouraged by this historic step forward and appreciate that House lawmakers have listened to people with disabilities and responded," said Jennifer Mathis, Director of Policy and Legal Advocacy. "We call on the Senate to respond as well."
Now we need the Senate to act swiftly to pass the bill so that it can become law.
In addition to expanding home and community-based services, the Build Back Better Act would, among other things:
- Close the "Medicaid coverage gap" that leaves people below the poverty line without subsidies for health care coverage in states that have not adopted the Medicaid expansion
- Reduce healthcare premiums for millions of people which would make it more affordable.
- Make new investments in affordable housing.
- Make investments to support the phaseout of subminimum wage employment of people with disabilities and promote competitive integrated employment.
Please call your Senators today to urge them to vote for the Build Back Better legislation and ensure that it includes these investments, including $150 billion investment for home and community-based services.
