Disability Coalition for Healthcare Reform
DCHR Information Sheet: Word Document | HTML/Text-only
DCHR Principles: Word Document | HTML/Text-only
DCHR Brochure: PDF
The Disability Coalition on Healthcare Reform is comprised of individual advocates and disability organizations who share the common mission to proactively improve & assure access to quality health care for Missourians with disabilities.
We believe that access to comprehensive healthcare is crucial to the independence, dignity, and equality of all people including people with disabilities. The DCHR advocates for accessible health care that is affordable, located in the individual’s community, free of physical and communication barriers, and provided in a timely manner.
If you are a self-advocate, a family member or disability organization interested in becoming a member of the DCHR or if you are an ally and would like to partner with us, please contact Megan Schulz (mburke@paraquad.org) or Kirsten Dunham (kdunham@paraquad.org) for more information about the coalition and the process for membership.
Issues
Federal Healthcare Reform - The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law on March 23, 2010. Congratulations advocates for staying tride and true! Now millions of Americans have access to quality, affordable healthcare. Below are documents to help you understand what is included in this health reform package.
The Clock is Ticking: Health reform benefits begin this year. Are you curious about the provisions in health reform and when they will take affect? Take a look at this timeline! PDF/Text
ACCESS AND CHOICE: National Health Care Reform for People with Disabilities The following outlines the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as they relate to the Missouri Disability Coalition for Healthcare Reform priorities. PDF / Text
What Health Reform Means for People with Disabilities. The comprehensive health care reform legislation passed by Congress will significantly improve health care. The health reform builds on the current system to increase access and choice in health care and long term care for people with disabilities. PDF/Text
National Health Care Reform for People with Disabilities: A comparison of Federal Health Reform Legislation. Do the proposals address health reform priorities for people with disabilities? At the beginning of the health care debate, the Disability Coalition for Health Care Reform set an overall goal and 5 policy priorities that would bring meaningful reform to people with disabilities and their families. This document analyzes how those proposals do or do not meet the DCHR priorities. PDF/Text (Updated 01/29/10)
ENDING THE TWO YEAR WAITING PERIOD FOR MEDICARE: People cannot afford to go without health care coverage or pay for COBRA while they wait to get Medicare benefits. Missouri organizations signed on letters urging our US Senators to support ending the two year waiting period for Medicare.
View the letters: Senator Bond | Senator McCaskill
STRENGTHENING AND INCREASING ACCESS TO MEDICAID: National health reform should strengthen and expand Medicaid to provide comprehensive coverage and high quality care to children, people who are low-income and people with disabilities. Click here to read principles that we believe should guide health reform legislation. Over 60 Missouri organizations have signed on to this letter to the Senate Finance Committee Chair and Ranking Member.
Teleconference
"Will health insurance reform mean security and peace of mind for people with disabilities?" (September 17, 2009) People with disabilities know from personal experience that the current health care system isn’t working – it’s too expensive, uncertain and inaccessible. For years, the disability rights community has been fighting for lower costs, more choices, and coverage we can count on. This teleconference includes a legislative update, a discussion of proposed key elements that impact people with disabilities, and action that the disability community can take to make sure health care reform happens and in a way that increases access and choice for people with disabilities. Transcript Audio
Reports
NEW! Expanding Medicaid Managed Care to People with Disabilities and Seniors Would be Risky and Unwise: This report was prepared for The Disability Coalition for Healthcare Reform and the Federation of Missouri Advocates for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to inform our discussions on Medicaid managed care for seniors and people with disabilities.
Members of the disability community wanted to know what Medicaid managed care would mean for people with disabilities and what issues need to be debated before moving forward. The report found a number of risks for the state and for people with disabilities and seniors. PDF
Life on Medicaid Spenddown: Recommendations to Create Access to Affordable Healthcare in Missouri PDF | Text
Guest Commentary
NEW! 20 Years After the ADA - This year we’re celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. One of the important civil rights provisions in the law is that states are mandated to provide services in the “most integrated setting”. There are over 4,000 people on waiting lists for HCBS for people with developmental disabilities. The Affordable Care Act signed into law this past Spring gives states opportunities for federal support in complying with the ADA and the Olmstead decision. PDF | Text
A Better Way: 20 Ways in 20 Days - Presented by Missouri Budget Project CUTS HURT! Balancing the budget by only cutting services means pain for Missouri's people with disabilities, children, parents, seniors - all of us. For the next 20 days, prior to the deadline for Governor Nixon to sign the FY 2011 budget passed by the Missouri Legislature, Missouri Budget Project will look at 20 ways that budget cuts will impact our state, and how a balanced approach provides a better way for Missouri. Click here for details.
The Proposed Caps on Personal Care Services Is Unwise by Joel Ferber and Jaime Frost, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri PDF
