Grassley Awarded for Work on Disability Issues


ANCOR Praises Senator's Leadership on Helping People with Developmental Disabilities


Scott Stanzel

202/224-6197


The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) today presented Sen. Chuck Grassley with its Congressional Award of Special Recognition for his leadership on behalf of people with disabilities.

"It is very gratifying to be recognized by a group that has done so much work for people with developmental disabilities. In today's changing health care arena, it is important to obtain protections to make sure people with special needs aren't being forgotten and to take a thoughtful approach to removing some of the barriers to independence for people with disabilities," said Grassley.

ANCOR specifically cited Grassley's efforts to protect people with mental retardation and other disabilities with protections established in the bi-partisan balanced budget plan approved by Congress and signed by the President this summer. Specifically, Grassley secured:

  • language in the Medicaid managed care legislation requiring that existing patient-provider relationships be respected when default enrollment is necessary;
  • language in the Medicaid managed care legislation which would require managed care organizations to inform beneficiaries when they have a right to benefits not covered by the managed care contract and how to get those benefits;
  • the family perspective be included in a study analyzing Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT), the children's benefit program in Medicaid;
  • language in the PACE bill to prohibit forced disenrollment based on non-compliance with a plan when it is related to a physical or mental condition;
  • language to eliminate prior institutionalization as a requirement for receiving habilitation services; and
  • language requiring the Health Care Financing Authority (HCFA) to study managed care and enrollees with special needs.

Through his position as Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, Grassley has addressed health care issues affecting Americans of all ages. To save costs, many states are receiving waivers from HCFA to mandate all Medicaid beneficiaries enroll in managed care programs. In June and July, Grassley sponsored four Medicaid and managed care forums to explore whether states and managed care providers have the knowledge and experience to design plans to meet the needs of the frail elderly and people with disabilities.

"As more and more people enroll in managed care programs, we need to ensure that the health care needs of all citizens are being met. That's why I sponsored forums on Capitol Hill for discussion among experts and concerned citizens to find out if preventative and coordinated health services were beneficial for people with disabilities," said Grassley.

A charter member of the Aging Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, Grassley has served as an active member of the Senate Aging Committee since 1981. From March to August, Grassley led 69 town meetings throughout the state to listen to Iowans voice their views and concerns about the challenges facing our aging society.