Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF) On President Bush's Proposed $1.75 Billion To Assist Americans With Disabilities

1/22/2003

From: Maggie Goldberg of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, 800-225-0292 ext. 115 Ciaran Clayton of Witeck-Combs Communications, 202-887-0500 ext. 26

WASHINGTON, Jan. 22 -- The following is a statement by Mitchell R. Stoller, President and CEO of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation:

"President Bush's proposal of a new $1.75 billion, five-year demonstration program to help Americans with disabilities transition from nursing homes or other institutions to living in the community would be a tremendous boost to people living with disabilities.

"One of the biggest challenges faced by people transitioning from living in rehabilitation hospitals or nursing homes to living in their own homes and communities is the loss of medical benefits and services they were receiving under Medicaid.

"Under President Bush's proposal, federal grant funds would pay the full cost of home and community-based waiver services for one year, after which the participating states would agree to continue care at the regular Medicaid matching rate. In many or most instances, this would be the only way families could bring people living with disabilities home with some assurance that their medical and rehabilitation needs can still be met.

"Since 1999, the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation has given grants to organizations that conduct programs to help improve opportunities, access and day-to-day quality of life for families and individuals living with disabilities. Our grants, awarded twice yearly, recognize programs nationwide that enable people with disabilities to live independent and active lives, but we have always recognized that it is not enough. People living with disabilities need the full support of the U.S. Government if we are ever going to change what it means to live with a disability in America.

"We urge Members of Congress, who will now be considering President Bush's budget recommendations, to retain this proposal in their final budget for FY 2004. In addition, we urge that they make a commitment to fully fund this program over five years as proposed. Americans living with disabilities need and deserve this support."

------ Mitchell R. Stoller is the President and CEO of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF). CRPF is a national non-profit organization that encourages and supports research to develop effective treatments and a cure for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders. CRPF also allocates a portion of its resources to grants that improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. For more information please visit www.ChristopherReeve.org.