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Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999, S. 331

 May 22, 1999

VOR is pleased to offer its support of S. 331, the Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999.

Adults with severe disabilities experience a non-employment rate of over 70% (source: Re- Charting the Court, First Report of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities, November 15, 1998). One factor impeding a disabled individual's ability to secure employment is the risk of losing their only source of health care insurance: Medicaid or Medicare.

As stated in the "Findings and Purposes" section of S. 331, "Americans with significant disabilities often are unable to obtain health care insurance that provides coverage of the services and supports that enable them to live independently and enter or rejoin the workforce...For individuals with disabilities, the fear of losing health care and related services is one of the greatest barriers keeping the individuals from maximizing their employment, earning potential, and independence." S. 331 continues Medicare coverage for working individuals with disabilities by providing States with the opportunity and the incentive to permit individuals with disabilities the opportunity to purchase Medicaid coverage.

VOR strongly supports efforts to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Initiatives outlined in S. 331 include grant programs, demonstration projects, the ticket to work, the self sufficiency program together with expanded personal care assistance options. S. 331 marks an important step toward enabling many people to become productive members of our society.

Expanded health care and personal attendant care options are critical for individuals with severe disabilities who exhibit the ability and express the willingness to seek employment opportunities. S. 331 responds in a positive manner to the unemployment crisis facing too many people with disabilities.

The VOR Board of Directors unanimously supports this forward-thinking legislation.

VOR * 836 S. Arlington Heights Rd., #351 * Elk Grove Village, Illinois * 60007

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