PHI Testifies before Senate Aging Committee: "Health Reform Must Include Investment in Direct-Care Workers"

On March 4, 2009 the Senate Aging Committee will take up health care reform and the needs of an aging America. PHI Washington D.C. liaison Henry Claypool will call on Congress to support a skilled, stable direct-care workforce, which he concludes is essential to supporting elders and people with disabilities to live meaningful lives in the community.

Specifically, he will ask the committee to increase direct-care worker compensation, upgrade training opportunities, and ensure workers have access to health care.

These reforms are necessary to strengthen home and community-based services and end the institutional bias of Medicaid long-term services and supports.

Mr. Claypool, who uses long-term services and supports himself, was previously a senior advisor for disability policy at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

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