🚨Tell Committee to Invest in Community Services for Texans with IDD

Published: Mon, 08/19/24

Updated: Mon, 08/19/24

Act Now: By Aug. 27, Tell the House Human Services Committee to Prioritize Investments in Community Services for Texans with IDD

What's Happening

Texans with disabilities are bearing the brunt of a crisis of care due to insufficient funding. We need the Texas legislature to take action now.

On Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, the House Human Services Committee will hold a hearing to discuss access to vital community services for Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The committee will hear invited testimony* as part of their responsibility to review the following House interim charge: “Evaluate access to Home and Community-based Services (HCS) waivers, including the interest list, effects of inflation on the cost services, and availability of services and service providers. Consider the long-term stability of long-term services and supports in waiver programs and consider alternative delivery models.”

*Although the committee will only hear invited testimony, the public is invited to submit comments using the House Public Comment Portal (instructions below).

Why It Matters

People with disabilities rely on Medicaid home and community-based services to live independently in their communities rather than in isolation in a nursing home or institution. These vital services help with everyday things, like getting dressed, bathing, taking medication, transportation around the community, maintaining employment, and much more. But the Medicaid system only pays for care in nursing homes and institutions. Home and community-based services are not guaranteed.

This is why 170,000 Texans with disabilities are stuck on interest lists, waiting years before they can get access to vital services they need now to help them live at home and engage in their communities. And to make matters worse, direct care workers for people with disabilities are underpaid, which has weakened the workforce and led unpaid family caregivers to fill in the gaps to take care of their loved one.

How You Can Help

We need you to share the perspectives of people with IDD and their families and tell the House Human Services Committee members to prioritize investments in community services for Texans with disabilities. Make your voice heard! See how to take action below.

Two Ways to Take Action

Use our sample language below to take action in one of two ways:

By Aug. 27, submit your comment electronically via the House Public Comment portal. NOTE: There is not a bill number. Instead, under "Comments regarding," select "Home and Community-based Services (HCS) waivers" under the "Human Services August 27, 2024 - 9:00 AM [E2.014]" section.
By Aug. 27, call or email your representative. Find who represents you.

Sample Language

Use this language on the House Comment portal, in an email or on a call. (If sending an email, use this subject: Invest in Community Services for Texans with IDD)

Dear Members of the House Human Services Committee,

I urge you to prioritize significant investment in community services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Medicaid waiver programs provide people with disabilities with the support needed for everyday life in their own homes and communities instead of institutions. This includes employment support and assistance with getting around the community, dressing, bathing, taking medication, and much more. Right now, over 170,000 people are stuck on interest lists, direct care workers are underpaid, and unpaid family caregivers are often filling in the gaps in service. It’s a crisis, and we need the legislature to appropriately fund these crucial services to allow Texans with IDD to live in their communities and avoid unnecessary institutionalization. As your constituent, and in solidarity with recommendations from The Arc of Texas, I ask that you commit to reducing the interest lists and providing the necessary resources to improve the quality of life for Texans with IDD.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Phone Number]

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