Wisconsin State Journal
Nov 3, 1998
A
Nation/1

[Headline] Disabled show support for changes in Medicaid

By Curt Anderson
Associated Press

WASHINGTON Dozens of people in wheelchairs blocked entrances to Democratic and Republican Party headquarters Monday to show support for Medicaid changes they said would allow many of them to remain out of pursing homes.

The peaceful protests, staged by Americans Disabled for Attendant programs Today, or ADAPT, were meant to build support for legislation expected to be introduced next year in Congress to allow more disabled Medicaid recipients to receive care at home or at some community-based setting.

"The only option that exists for many people is the nursing home," said Michael Auberger of Denver, co-founder of ADAPT. "What we want to do is create a choice."

The group chose Monday for the protest because it is the day before the midterm congressional elections. They carried handmade signs with slogans such as "I Don't Want to Live in Handicaptivity" and "Nursing Homes Kill."

[Image]
[Image caption] Members of ADAPT, a national disability group, parade in their wheelchairs through the streets of Washington, D.C., Monday to demonstrate against the funneling of Medicaid funds to nursing homes rather than to programs involving home care for the disabled. Associated Press

The protesters blocked party entrances for much of Monday afternoon, forcing cancellation of an election-related news conference by Republican National Committee Chairman Jim Nicholson. Police kept an eye on the group but made no arrests.

More than three-quarters of long-term Medicaid money goes to care for people in institutions, with only about 20 percent in alternative community settings, according to ADAPT. Some states have obtained waivers to provide alternative care, but ADAPT wants a new national policy.

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