President Bush recently signed an executive order directing federal agencies to assist states in swiftly implementing the Olmstead Supreme Court decision, which found that under certain circumstances, the Americans with Disabilities Act requires states to provide community-based treatment for persons with disabilities. HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson announced that HHS is moving to improve access to community-based services for people with disabilities. Thompson will lead the federal government's coordinated efforts to work with states to fully implement the decision.

In 2000, the federal government paid approximately $43 billion for Medicaid services on behalf of people with disabilities. Medicaid supports more than 200 state home- and community-based waivers that provide beneficiaries with alternatives to institutional care and enable seniors and people with disabilities to receive services at home. In 2000, federal Medicaid spending for individuals with disabilities served through these waivers was approximately $6.8 billion

For more information about HHS Olmstead Implementation Activities, visit www.hhs.gov.