Critical funding situation for SCATP

URGENT
The SC Assistive Technology program wanted to make you aware of this critical funding situation.

The issue: The draft Fiscal Year 2012 Labor, Health and Human Services funding bill contains new language of a mandatory Alternative Financing Program (AFP) set-aside of funding for State Assistive Technology Acts. The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education has the right to remove this language from the bill before sending to the Senate. Action is needed by Friday, October 28th.

What it means: Under the new proposal, a major change would require State Assistive Technology Programs to spend 25% of their federal allocation for alternative financing programs through contracts with community-based organizations. These cuts would have significant negative effects on device reutilization, device loan and device demonstration activities.

What it means for SC: The South Carolina Assistive Technology Program’s (SCATP’s) AT Reutilization Program connects consumers, agencies and other organizations in the donation and sale of used medical equipment to people who could not afford it otherwise. The past two years, this initiative resulted in a cost savings of $695,172 to consumers, state and federal agencies and other organizations. Funding cuts would also greatly impact SCATP’s Device Demonstration and Device Loan Programs. In FY 2011, over 350 people participated in SCATP’s device demonstration program and people got a chance to borrow over 400 devices to “try before they buy” through SCATP’s device loan program. These programs greatly reduce demand for funding and promote responsible decisions for purchasing devices using Medicaid and Medicare dollars.

What can you do? If you feel that the proposed language of a new mandatory Alternative Financing Program set-aside in the draft 2012 Labor, Health and Human Services funding bill would negatively affect the lives of South Carolinians who have disabilities and those who serve them, consider these steps:

EMAIL and CALL your SC Congressmen and suggest they speak to the members of the House Appropriations LHHS Subcommittee and share how this legislation would impact SC though cuts in essential equipment reuse, demonstration and loan programs administered by SCATP. If you, a family member, friend, or client have reaped benefits from these programs, you might share those personal stories.

The Honorable Joe Wilson (R-SC)
Staff: Melissa Chandler- melissa.chandler@mail.house.gov, 202-225-2452
United States House of Representatives, 2229 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515

The Honorable Trey Gowdy (R-SC)
Staff: Christopher Ingraham- christopher.ingraham@mail.house.gov, 202-225-6030
United States House of Representatives, 1237 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515

We'd also appreciate your sending an electronic copy of your letter to CarolPageSLP@gmail.com.

Key discussion points to consider:
It is urgent that the proposed language of a new mandatory Alternative Financing Program set-aside for State Assistive Technology Act Programs be removed from the Fiscal Year 2012 Labor, Health and Human Services funding bill.

You could emphasize the role that SCATP has played in ensuring that assistive technology is purchased and used effectively by South Carolinians. The proposed language of the set-aside means SCATP will be forced to cut funding we currently use to implement SCATP’s AT Reutilization program which connects consumers wanting to sell or give away used medical equipment to consumers in need of used equipment. Funding cuts would also greatly impact SCATP’s Device Demonstration and Device Loan Programs. These programs reduce the demand for federal funding by millions of dollars and promote responsible decisions for purchasing devices using Medicaid and Medicare dollars.

You could mention the ways SCATP serves as a resource in helping agencies and individuals in activities ranging from education to health care and even jobs, as well as the outreach to rural, underserved and minority populations. If you are in the education field, you can emphasize how SCATP has helped school districts and students meet the goals of the "No Child Left Behind" legislation. It might also help if you let them know how much the SC Assistive Technology Program has helped you, a friend, relative or client with disabilities.

If you have questions, contact carolpageslp@gmail.com and we can update you on progress of this legislation and help you determine what you might do.