Dingell, Guthrie Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Seniors, Disabled Receive Care in their Homes

Press Release

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, introduced H.R. 5306, the bipartisan Ensuring Medicaid Provides Opportunities for Widespread Equity, Resources (EMPOWER) and Care Act to help seniors and those with disabilities receive long-term services and supports in their homes and communities, while saving taxpayer dollars in the process.

The legislation reauthorizes and expands the Money Follows the Person (MFP) Demonstration Program, a highly effective program first authorized in 2005, which provides a way for elderly and disabled patients to move from institutional care to home or community-based services.

"Helping seniors and those with disabilities receive the care they need in the setting of their choice is something we can all agree on," said Congresswoman Dingell. "The Money Follows the Person Program has provided people in Michigan and across the country the opportunity to transition from a nursing home back into their homes and communities, where they can live independently, age with dignity and be with their family and friends. I'm proud to introduce the EMPOWER Care Act with Congressman Guthrie to reauthorize and strengthen this important program and help improve quality of life for all those who need long-term support."

"The Money Follows the Person program is a proven success that has allowed Medicaid patients to take charge of their health care in a commonsense, cost-effective way," said Congressman Guthrie. "Kentucky's Money Follows the Person program, Kentucky Transitions, has helped hundreds of Kentuckians transition from health care facilities to receiving long-term care in their homes and communities. I was proud to introduce the EMPOWER Care Act with Congresswoman Debbie Dingell to ensure that people with disabilities receive the best care possible."

At the end of 2015, 43 states and the District of Columbia were participating in the MFP demonstration. As part of an evaluation provided to Congress in a 2017 report, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services concluded there is strong evidence beneficiaries' quality of life improves when they transition from institutional to community-based long-term care system. The report also found that on average, monthly expenditures for beneficiaries participating in the demonstration program declined by 23 percent during the first year, saving Medicare and Medicaid $978 million.

Dingell and Guthrie's legislation to continue and improve the program is supported by a large coalition of aging and disability organizations.

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