ADvancing States would like to express our appreciation to the Administration, particularly ACL and CMS, for their demonstrated commitment to supporting seniors and people with disabilities and expanding access to Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). The proposed budget would increase funding for programs that seniors and people with disabilities rely on for critical supports, such as Aging and Disability Resource Centers, nutrition services, adult protective services, and family caregiver supports. The proposal contains a number of other improvements, particularly to Medicaid, which will improve the ability of states to tailor their programs to support and expand access to HCBS. The budget also proposes ending sequestration and eliminating the caps on discretionary spending that have led to significant reductions in funding for services to seniors and people with disabilities.
As our nation’s population continues to age, and as more individuals require supports and services through the Older Americans Act and Medicaid, it will be crucial to ensure that states have the necessary resources to serve our seniors. Similarly, ongoing improvements to Medicaid should promote the ability of all participants to live in home and community-based settings based on their needs and preferences. We applaud the Administration for recognizing these needs and proposing funding and policies that support seniors and people with disabilities. We encourage leadership in the House and Senate to join with the Administration and provide funding that supports these critical programs.
Click here to access a memo of the budget's key takeaways.
Click here to view the funding chart summarizing budget recommendations.