A Message from the HCBS Advocacy Coalition
The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) is a member of a national coalition of cross-disability and aging organizations supporting the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Settings Rule called the HCBS Advocacy Coalition. The federal government issued the HCBS Settings Rule in 2014 to ensure that all people receiving Medicaid-funded HCBS have full access to the benefits of community living. Over the last three years, our coalition has worked collaboratively with federal agencies, states, and disability and aging stakeholders to ensure that implementation of the Rule fulfills its intent to ensure opportunities for community integration for all people receiving Medicaid-funded HCBS services. Throughout this process, the HCBS Advocacy Coalition has offered resources and feedback to ensure the Rule is implemented with integrity and that HCBS services are strengthened and promote a meaningful life integrated in the community.
What we do: As we meet with newly appointed high-level officials in the Trump Administration who are charged with implementing the HCBS Settings Rule, we continue to offer the expertise of the coalition. In order to strengthen our message, we need one key thing for these meetings – YOUR STORIES!
What we need: We need to share REAL stories, YOUR stories. Tell us about how you — as a person who receives HCBS services, a family member, friend or provider — have seen an improved quality of life, more independence, and more opportunities because of Medicaid-funded HCBS services. Tell us about your life in the community and about what participating in your community means to you. We particularly encourage stories from people who have transitioned to the community from an institution and from people with significant support needs.
How we will use your stories: We will use these stories to advocate for the strong implementation of the HCBS Settings Rule in your state, to protect the funding of HCBS services, and to make sure that people in leadership positions the federal government know how important and successful HCBS services are as they make policy decisions about community programs.
How to weigh in: Please send your story (500 words or less) and a photo (optional) to [email protected] Tell us what state you live in, whether you/your family member/friend/client receive HCBS for aging or disability services, what types of services you receive (help with work, getting dressed, shopping, etc.), how it has improved your/their quality of life, and anything else you want to share about the value of home and community-based services.
For more information about the HCBS Advocacy Coalition and the HCBS settings rule, visit www.hcbsadvocacy.org.
Thank you! Your voice is so important and we will raise it!
