Casey, Blackburn Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Lift Restriction on Care for People with Disabilities
The Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-In Program Act would lift a restriction that currently prevents people with disabilities from buying-in to Medicaid after they turn 65
Currently, people with disabilities who receive care through Medicaid buy-in may be forced to retire rather than losing access
Casey: “People with disabilities deserve to be given the resources and support they need to live and work independently no matter their age”
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced the Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-In Programs Act. The bipartisan bill would lift a restriction that prevents people with disabilities from buying-in to Medicaid after they turn 65. The Medicaid buy-in program allows people with disabilities to access daily long-term care services that most employer-sponsored insurance plans do not typically cover, but currently has an age limit of 65, forcing many people with disabilities to retire in order to maintain Medicaid coverage. Casey and Blackburn’s bill would remove that restriction, allowing people with disabilities to continue to work as long as they wish while receiving Medicaid supports that increase their independence.
“People with disabilities deserve to be given the resources and support they need to live and work independently no matter their age,” said Chairman Casey. “The Medicaid buy-in program is a critical way for many people with disabilities to receive that support, and should not be restricted to those under 65. This new bipartisan bill will prevent people with disabilities from being forced into retirement just to maintain access to the support they need to live independently.”
“Americans with disabilities should be able to continue working without losing coverage or care through Medicaid when they turn 65,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-In Program Act would ensure adults with disabilities over the age of 65 can continue to work without sacrificing their Medicaid coverage and benefits.”
People with disabilities are given the option to buy-in to Medicaid so that they can get coverage for the supports they need, such as personal care attendants to help them prepare for the day. However, currently that opportunity is restricted to people under the age of 65, limiting the ability of people with disabilities over the age of 65 to be independent and work. The Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-In Program Act would remove that restriction, preventing people with disabilities from being forced into retirement simply to keep their Medicaid coverage.
Chairman Casey is one of the Senate’s strongest advocates for the needs of people with disabilities. Casey has led efforts to expand access to home and community-based care services, facilitate better care for medically complex individuals, and ensure that federal technology and websites are fully accessible. Casey created the ABLE program, which has helped more than 170,000 people with disabilities across the United States save money for disability-related expenses. Last month, Casey and Blackburn called on the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to extend Medicare coverage to include a device which would help some Americans with disabilities get around more easily and live healthier and more independent lives.
Read more about the Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-In Program Act here.
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