Advocates should know that federal funds are available to achieve accessibility via home modification. Specifically, under the HUD funded HOME Investment Partnership Program and the Community Development Block Grand, federal funds can be allocated and used to implement or expand a home modification program in communities to increase housing accessibility. These federal funds can be allocated either to homeowners or renters who have disabilities.

HUD has explicitly authorized Home Modifications as a reimbursable “rehabilitation” function under both federal programs. The decision regarding how these funds are actually allocated is up to local and or state officials who must develop a Consolidated Plan listing how these funds will be used. Therefore, if disability advocates want and need a Home Modification program in their communities, they must be active players in their local Consolidated Plan process.

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Tips for Medical Insurance Advocacy

1. Gather, read and understand the medical insurance plan books.

2. Organize the paperwork in a way that makes it simple for you to keep track of what has been covered in the past.

3. Read the important definitions within the benefit plan, and the criteria used for each benefit you need.

4. Write everything down for each item, therapy, or doctors’ visit you want covered, including everyone with whom you have spoken and what was said.

5. Start by asking questions.

6. Be prepared, firm and focused with a particular request of what you want.

7. Involve your doctor. Make sure your doctor is in support of the medical care you are seeking.