Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Disability Network/Michigan supports House Bill 6195

Numerous senior and disability rights groups, including Disability Network/Michigan, are urging the Michigan Legislature to pass House Bill 6195. The bi-partisan bill would strengthen options for more than 60,000 Michigan seniors and persons with disabilities who receive care in their own homes as an alternative to institutionalized care.

Disability Network/Michigan supports this important legislation for three main reasons:

• It will strengthen homecare and allow seniors and persons with disabilities to remain healthy and independent in their own homes instead of forcing them into expensive nursing homes.

• It will strengthen background checks, rigorous screening and training to ensure that seniors and persons with disabilities receive safe, high-quality care.

• It will save taxpayers millions of dollars each year by avoiding expensive nursing home costs.

Disability Network/Michigan played a crucial role in creating the Michigan Quality Community Care Council, a pilot program that oversees a cutting-edge registry that matches Medicaid recipients who require assistance with qualified homecare providers in their area. These providers undergo background checks and rigorous screening. They also have access to critical training on issues such as first aid, CPR, how to lift properly, nutrition, and working with those who have Alzheimer’s and dementia.  

House Bill 6195 would transform this successful pilot program into a permanent program. Disability Network/Michigan supports this critical legislation because it will provide choice for seniors and persons with disabilities, strengthen background checks and training for homecare providers, and save taxpayers money.

To read the bill, visit www.tiny.cc/MQC3.