On Tuesday, September 25, 2018 Congressman Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, cosponsored the EMPOWER Care Act (H.R. 5306). If passed, the bill would re-authorize funding for the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program through 2022. The MFP program is fundamental in transitioning seniors and people with disabilities out of institutions and back into the community. Since the program’s inception, the MFP program has liberated over 75,000 Americans with disabilities and has assisted in rebalancing the cost of long-term care in participating States.
Independence, Inc., Center for Independent Living (CIL) has long been a proponent of home and community based services. The disability rights agency is grateful for Representative Cramer’s endorsement and believes independent living results in significant cost-savings and enhanced quality of life for North Dakotans with disabilities.
“We would like to thank Congressman Cramer for his support of H.R. 5306 and commitment to helping people with disabilities live in the community. We believe when we live in our own home, we will live longer, be happier, and it will save the taxpayer money,” said Independence, Inc. Executive Director, Scott Burlingame.
The EMPOWER Care Act has bipartisan cosponsorship from 61 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and was ordered to be reported by voice vote on September 13, 2018. The full text of HR 5306 is available online at www.congress.gov.
For more information about the Money Follows the Person Program and Nursing Facility Transition services please contact Independence, Inc. at 701-839-4724.