Parkinson's Patients Deserve Choice in Their Healthcare

  • by: Care2
  • recipient: U.S. House and Senate
Many Americans diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or other chronic illnesses are able to stay at home for years with support before they have to go into personal care or nursing homes. They simply need help in housekeeping, shopping or gardening services.

Those who suffer from Parkinson's or other degenerative disease still value their independence, and may be able to live for a long time with the aid of home support.

The unfortunate reality is that more federal funds are allocated to nursing homes than to less expensive community programs. The average annual cost of skilled care at a nursing home is about $75,000, while the annual cost for a part-time health aid to provide care at home is only $28,000.

The Community Choice Act of 2007 will fix this broken system and give victims of chronic illness, like Parkinson's, more choice and independence. Americans should have choices when it comes to long-term care. Urge your representatives to co-sponsor the Act today!
Dear [Decision maker],

As your constituent, I urge you to co-sponsor the Community Choice Act of 2007 (H.R.1621.IH, S.799.IS). If you are already a co-sponsor, I would like to express my sincere thanks to you for your support.

The Community Choice Act of 2007 was introduced in order to provide Medicaid-eligible individuals with equal access to community-based attendant services and supports under state Medicaid plan coverage.

This means that our aging loved ones and those suffering from diseases such as Parkinson's - our spouses, siblings, parents and grandparents - will have more healthcare options that keep them well, healthy and in their own homes.

With the demographic shift occurring in the U.S., and an estimated 12 million Americans needing care by 2020, the need for long-term care will only grow. That's why government, individuals and the private sector need to work together to make a wider variety of affordable long-term care options available.


[Your comment here]

Congress must live up to its responsibility to ensure that all Americans - regardless of age or income level - have freedom and independence. Please co-sponsor the Community Choice Act of 2007 to allocate more funds to community-based home healthcare programs.
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