Enzi: Still More to Accomplish on 11th Anniversary of the Olmstead Decision
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, made the following statement today in recognition of the 11th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s 1999 Olmstead decision which improved access to community-based care for individuals with disabilities.
“The landmark Olmstead decision helped reshape years of policy in which more costly institutional care was the norm,” said Enzi. “When speaking with seniors and those with long term care needs in my home state of Wyoming, what I often hear is that they would rather stay in the community than live in a nursing home or other institution.”
“Not only is community-living the preferred living option among Americans, it is also less costly,” Enzi offered. “We need to continually increase access for all Americans to community-based services and ensure they receive the support they need to lead more rewarding and fulfilling lives in the community.”
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