May 11, 2003
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Bob Kafka (512) 431-4085 cell
Marsha Katz (406) 544-9504 cell

100 from ADAPT Arrested at White House Demanding Apology from President for Stolen Lives

(Washington, D.C.) Police arrested 100 members of ADAPT on Mother's Day when they refused to leave the front of the White House while demanding an apology from President George W. Bush for the institutional bias in Medicaid that robs American of choice in long-term care services.

Before the arrests, 500 members of ADAPT from 30 states listened as a dozen people gave personal testimony about the harm they suffered for many years when forced into nursing homes and other institutions. Backed by a 150-foot banner filled with pictures and similar personal stories from across the country, they told how the Medicaid institutional bias had stolen their lives, and about the freedom they now feel living in their own homes.

"It's pretty ironic that a few feet behind us is our American flag waving in the breeze on top of the White House," said Gayle Hafner, of Maryland ADAPT, one of those arrested. "Our flag is supposed to symbolize freedom. Try telling that to all the people who are locked in nursing homes and institutions right now for the crime of disability, or to Linda from Maryland who is here because she is trying desperately to get out of a nursing home. Does this country legitimately owe us an apology for all our Stolen Lives? You bet it does!"

Along with the apology from President Bush, and Congress, ADAPT is in Washington this week seeking additional support for passage of MiCASSA, the Medicaid Community-based Attendant Services and Supports Act. S. 971 has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA), along with nine additional co-sponsors. In the House, H.R. 2032 has been introduced by Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL) and Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL), along with 25 additional co-sponsors. 

In MiCASSA, Medicaid money follows the person, instead of being attached to a setting like a nursing home, thus permitting people to choose to receive their long-term care services in their own homes in the community instead of being forced into institutional settings to get the assistance they need. MiCASSA also includes the provision of significant economic incentives for states to help their transition from institutional to community-based services as the option of choice.

"It's time for the President to return his attention to the domestic agenda," said arrestee Bobbie Coward of Capitol Area ADAPT. "With most of the states experiencing fiscal crises tied to Medicaid, MiCASSA will provide some measure of relief, and will put in place a safety net for both the states and their older and disabled citizens. The President and Congress need to get busy solving problems right here at home. ADAPT is committed to one of the solutions being the passage of MiCASSA, and we'll be back in D.C. this fall, marching all 144 miles from the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia to make sure it happens."

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