Disability Coalition for Healthcare Reform
Information Sheet: Word Document | HTML/Text-only
Principles: Word Document | HTML/Text-only
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 - We have an opportunity to get guaranteed, affordable health coverage for all with a choice of private or public plans that cover all medically necessary services. The United States can make smarter investments for better health and a stronger economy. The United States Congress is debating health reform this summer, and we have a chance to make our voices heard about what we need in health care reform.
ACCESS AND CHOICE: National Health Care Reform for People with Disabilities PDF / Text
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.
Reports
How far has Missouri come since the 1999 Olmstead Supreme Court decision ~ Why federal health care reform needs to include choice and access to community services PDF/Text
