H.R. 3590 - Sec. 2406. Sense of the Senate Regarding Long-Term Care lyrics

(a) Findings- The Senate makes the following findings: (1) Nearly 2 decades have pa**ed since Congress seriously considered long-term care reform. The United States Bipartisan Commission on Comprehensive Health Care, also know as the ‘Pepper Commission', released its ‘Call for Action' blueprint for health reform in September 1990. In the 20 years since those recommendations were made, Congress has never acted on the report. (2) In 1999, under the United States Supreme Court's decision in Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S. 581 (1999), individuals with disabilities have the right to choose to receive their long-term services and supports in the community, rather than in an institutional setting. (3) Despite the Pepper Commission and Olmstead decision, the long-term care provided to our Nation's elderly and disabled has not improved. In fact, for many, it has gotten far worse. (4) In 2007, 69 percent of Medicaid long-term care spending for elderly individuals and adults with physical disabilities paid for institutional services. Only 6 states spent 50 percent or more of their Medicaid long-term care dollars on home and community-based services for elderly individuals and adults with physical disabilities while 1/2 of the States spent less than 25 percent. This disparity continues even though, on average, it is estimated that Medicaid dollars can support nearly 3 elderly individuals and adults with physical disabilities in home and community-based services for every individual in a nursing home. Although every State has chosen to provide certain services under home and community-based waivers, these services are unevenly available within and across States, and reach a small percentage of eligible individuals. (b) Sense of the Senate- It is the sense of the Senate that-- (1) during the 111th session of Congress, Congress should address long-term services and supports in a comprehensive way that guarantees elderly and disabled individuals the care they need; and (2) long term services and supports should be made available in the community in addition to in institutions.