Action Update

Spending Bill for Remainder of 2018: The Good and the Sad

March 27, 2018

Congress has passed and the President has signed a $1.3 trillion spending bill to fund the federal government through September 2018.
 
The good news is that the bill provides increased funding for Title VII of the Older Americans Act.  The Ombudsman Program and Elder Abuse Prevention would receive an additional $1 million, while there would be $2 million more for Adult Protective Services and the Elder Justice Initiative.  The OAA Title III B Home and Community-Based Supportive Services was the big winner with a gain of about $35 million. For more information, see NASUAD's FY18 Budget Chart: Key HHS Programs Serving Seniors and Persons with Disabilities.
 
Sadly, the Money Follows the Person Program was not included in the spending bill. This is a blow to many aging and disability rights organizations, and certainly for individuals in nursing facilities and institutions who would like to return to the community. Advocates will look for other legislative opportunities to extend and fund MFP.
 
Consumer Voice thanks all of you who joined us in telling members of Congress to increase funding for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and continue MFP.  The fact that the LTCOP was given more money, not less, is a significant victory in this challenging environment.