More people with disabilities are living in our communities than ever before – but many people who want access to their communities remain trapped in institutions. Money Follows the Person (MFP) is a federally funded program that has helped over 91,000 people with disabilities move out of institutions and into our own homes. But since MFP’s funding expired in 2016, Congress has been extending the funding month-to-month, leaving the future of this vital program at risk. Monday is a National Call-In Day to permanently fund MFP– make sure your Members of Congress hear from you!
Nearly every state participates in the MFP program, and it has been hugely successful in helping people leave institutions, enter the community, and obtain home and community-based services. But in response to uncertainty about MFP’s future, states have reduced their funding and scaled back their programs. Since 2016, the number of people with disabilities transitioning to community living has declined. Congress can fix this by reauthorizing MFP permanently, ensuring that states will continue to help people with disabilities leave institutions for decades to come.
Join Monday’s call-in and tell your Senators and Representative to permanently fund MFP! You can find their contact information at contactingcongress.org. If you’re unable to make a phone call, consider using our proxy calling system. Here’s a script you can use:
I am calling to express my support for permanent reauthorization of funding for the Money Follows the Person program. MFP has enabled 91,000 seniors and people with disabilities living in institutions to transition back to their communities. MFP is fiscally responsible: it has improved quality of life for thousands of individuals while saving states money. But without permanent funding, states are already having to scale back their programs, and some may eliminate their programs entirely. I am asking [Senator/Representative’s Name] to make sure permanent reauthorization of Money Follows the Person is included in any any health care or end of year spending bill. Thank you for taking my call! [IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: Leave your full street address and zip code, so they count your call.] [Optional Add On] Talk about why Money Follows the Person is important for you or someone you know and love.
Need more scripts and tips on calling your elected officials? Check out our factsheet for help.
After you’ve called in, there’s more you can do to help MFP:
- Email or fax your Senators and Representative. You can use the same script as you did while calling.
- Contact your Members of Congress on social media. Tag your Senators and Representative in posts about why it’s important to provide permanent funding for Money Follows the Person.
Community integration is a civil right, and it’s one that every single disabled person should have access to. Let’s show Congress that when it comes to protecting the rights of our community members, we stand together.