Synopsis:

The Disability Integration Act (DIA) would require public agencies and insurance companies that fund what it refers to as “institutional” placements for people with disabilities who need long-term services and supports to offer community-based care options as well. The DIA would also forbid denying or obstructing any institutionalized person’s request to transition to community-based care. The bill’s supporters state that full participation in the community and the opportunity to live independently are civil rights for people with disabilities springing from the Americans with Disabilities Act and the landmark Supreme Court decision in Olmstead v. L.C. They also cite evidence that home- and community-based care improves health outcomes, raises quality of life and saves the government money. Families of people receiving institutional care have raised concerns that the DIA could funnel money away from institutions, which could result in closures or lower standards of care.

Supporters:

Reps. Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cummings (D-Md.), Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Katko (R-N.Y.), Langevin (D-R.I.), Lewis (D-Ga.), McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) C. Smith (R-N.J.), Tipton (R-Colo.) et al.; Sens. Schumer (D-N.Y.), Carper (D-Del.), Casey (D-Pa.), Coons (D-Del.), Duckworth (D-Ill.), Gardner (R-Colo.), Sanders (I-Vt.), Warren (D-Mass.) et al.; AARP, ADAPT, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, National Council on Independent Living.

Opponents:

A Voice of Reason.

Links to Additional Resources: