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Congresswoman Linda Sánchez

The Medicare Adult Day Care Services Act of 2009 (pdf), a bill that would expand options for home and community-based services, has been introduced into the U.S. House by Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-CA).

The bill would amend the Social Security Act to cover adult day care services under Medicare. Seniors and people with disabilities would then be able to choose whether to receive care at home or at an adult day care center. Read the full story

On June 11, a bill was introduced into both the U.S. House and Senate that promises to improve access to home and community-based services by generating Medicare and Medicaid savings and allowing more older Americans to receive health support in their homes.

“Project 2020: Building on the Promise of Home and Community-Based Services” was introduced on the Senate side as S. 1257 by Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), both key members of the Senate Finance Committee. On the House side, Reps. Bruce L. Braley (D-IA) and John Sarbanes (D-MD), both members of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, introduced the companion bill H.R. 2852.

The bill’s stated purpose is “To amend the Social Security Act to build on the aging network to establish long-term services and supports through single-entry point systems, evidence-based disease prevention and health promotion programs, and enhanced nursing home diversion programs.” Read the full story