There are two major problems with this bill:

1. It caps eligibility by age. Only people who have acquired their disability before age 27 would be eligible. There has been no logical explanation for this arbitrary number and the Disability Community does not accept leaving anyone with a disability behind.

2. It includes budget cuts to vital services for people with disabilities. One group of people with disabilities should not have to sacrifice such services in order for another group of people with disabilities to have what they need to survive.  Things that would be cut if this version of the ABLE Act passes include:

• Specific oral medication that many dialysis patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) take would not be covered by Medicaid until 2024.  People will die because of this.
• Vacuum Erection Systems (VES) would no longer be covered by Medicare.  This seems trivial, but it is assistive devices such as this that allow some people with disabilities the opportunity to have a family – the same right able-bodied people enjoy.

This harmful bill passed through the House of Representatives on Thursday so now we are turning to our Senators to stop this from becoming law.

Time is of the essence as this bill, S. 313, could be voted on at any time and with the same, last-minute changes.  Last week, we e-mailed, now we call.

Call your Senators to let them know that they should NOT vote for S. 313 when it comes up for a vote!  There is no time to lose!

Click the link below to get talking points and your Senators’ phone numbers.