AUCD Statement on the House Passage of the American Health Care Act (AHCA)

May 4, 2017

Kim E. Musheno
Director of Public Policy
301-588-8252
[email protected]

The Association of University Centers on Disabilities is disappointed by the vote in the House of Representatives today on the America's Health Care Act (AHCA).  The House passed the AHCA on a close vote of 217-213.

Through the bipartisan Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Congress has, for over fifty years, recognized that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families should "participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets of community life." Today's vote by the House to advance the American Health Care Act fails to honor this historic commitment.

The AHCA dramatically reduces funding for the Medicaid program that it not only provides health care, but also much needed long term services and supports for individuals with disabilities.

"People with disabilities need critical health and community supports, especially those provided through the Medicaid program," said Andrew Imparato, Executive Director of AUCD. "Limiting access to needed services only increases the unmet needs of people with disabilities and makes it difficult for them to get jobs with the supports they need and live at home."

AUCD looks forward to working on a bipartisan basis with the Senate and House to ensure that any final bill protects access to comprehensive, affordable, and accessible health care and community supports for children and adults with disabilities.

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