TEXANS — URGENT CALL TO ACTION
DUE BEFORE APRIL 1, 2022
NEW RULE WOULD GUT MEDICAID FUNDING OPTIONS FOR ADULTS WITH SEVERE AUTISM
A proposed rule in the Texas Administrative Code would make all intentional communities ineligible for Medicaid funding. The rule would most severely affect adults with severe autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities who require high levels of support in an environment with amenities they need to be safe and thrive.
With its vast waitlist and growing autism population, Texas must expand quality residential options for those with disabilities —not shrink them.
Please take 5-10 minutes — by April 1st — to submit your comment.
DIRECTIONS:
Copy and paste the template below to write an email to txhmlpolicy@hhs.texas.gov with the Subject Line: Comment on Draft Rule 21R058.
Please edit the BOLD sections with your personal story and why it matters to you to comment. Your personal story can be short and whatever you want it to be
When you are done, please email amy@29acres.org subject line DONE! —to track number of responses
Share this email with professionals, friends and family members and anyone you think that might want to support this policy change. There is strength in numbers.
Email Template
Dear Commissioners,
I have become aware of a proposed TAC rule change that is now open for public comment. I have a serious concern with and would like to make a comment on Title 26, Chapter 263.
Section 263.101 automatically makes individuals living in intentional communities, farmsteads or campus settings ineligible for HCS Program Services. I believe this is a serious mistake and unnecessarily shrinks quality housing options in Texas for those with disabilities.
**Insert your personal statement here (Comments are best coming from those personally impacted by the policy change. Please see guidelines of personal stories below**)
I respectfully ask that you amend Sec. 263.101 by deleting subparagraph (a)(5)(J)(i-iii).
Allow residents living in a variety of settings to use this important funding. Individuals with special needs have the right to choose the home and setting that best meets their needs and preferences. I also request that you visit the settings you are not wanting to fund and talk to the residents (and their families) who live there about their experiences and quality of life living in that setting.
**Sign the email with your name and your City/State. If you are commenting from out of state, please mention that you are supporting an individual that lives in Texas.
Example of personal statements (Please make it your own and insert above)
Briefly share your story.
Describe the setting your family member is currently in or wants to live in that is threatened by the proposed rule.
Describe how your family member is thriving in that setting.
Describe how he or she still has access to the "community" and is not "isolated."
Explain that your family members current setting is his or her choice and the importance of preserving that choice.
For those whose family member is still living at home, describe how the proposed rule is preventing new development of the community that he or she wants and desperately needs.
Share how the setting has changed your family's life. "We are lucky to have found _______ because...." or "My child can ..................or "He/she works at ___________"
WEBINAR: 29 Acres is hosting a webinar with more information on these proposed rules Tuesday March 22nd from 6:30-8pm. Register using this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rUI4hdYsR7a15QBh3hHxNQ
Please reach out to Debra@29acres.org or 817-832-9346 if you have questions about the comments or submittal.