This webcast took place on Thursday, July 9, 11:00 a.m. PT/2:00 p.m. ET.
During the COVID-19 crisis, it has become clear that the ability to receive services and care at home and in the community is critical to keeping people safe and healthy and to help stop the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, however, there are multiple barriers to adequate access to Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS).
A lack of investment in HCBS by federal and state governments, scarcity of personal protective equipment for home care workers, and state cuts to HCBS programs to address budget shortfalls threaten existing HCBS infrastructure and put the lives of millions of seniors and people with disabilities at risk.
In this webcast, you will hear from disability, aging, and state advocates on what actions you can take to protect and maintain access to HCBS in your state. The webcast will include:
- An overview of HCBS advocacy at the federal level;
- A summary of available funding for community-based providers to respond to COVID-19; and
- Discussion of advocacy tools to maintain HCBS infrastructure and to combat efforts to cut HCBS in state budgets.
Who should participate:
Aging and disability advocates who want to learn how to protect Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services.
Presenters:
Nicole Jorwic, Senior Director of Public Policy, The Arc
Amber Christ, Directing Attorney, Justice in Aging
State Advocates from Washington and Oklahoma