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NAC Frequently Asked Questions

Why is ANCOR initiating a National Advocacy Campaign?
The very heart of our business is at risk. Staffing shortages and funding shortfalls are threatening the quality and continuity of community-based supports and services. Providers need the resources to recruit, train and retain a stable, qualified direct support workforce. We must ask Members of Congress to increase funding for Medicaid so we can hire quality direct support staff.

How severe is the workforce situation?
The shortage of direct support employees is now a national crisis.

What are the wages and demographics of direct support professionals?
Nearly one out of five live below the federal poverty level. One in seven relies on food stamps. The average median wage is $7.97 per hour (median of all U.S. workers is $11.87).

The hourly wage for private direct support workers increased only $0.82 versus $3.16 for public direct support workers and $2.11 for fast food workers. This represents a nine percent increase over a decade.
The percentage increases for the public direct support worker and fast food workers were almost three to four times higher, respectively, than the percentage increase in wages for private sector employees.
Both the dollar amount and percentage increase in hourly wage rates for private direct support workers are far below that of comparable job categories as well as the national minimum wage.
State funded systems, including those that rely on Medicaid, are held to fixed appropriations based upon state public policy choices and economic conditions and are not as responsive as the private sector in adjusting to labor supply and demand factors.
Benefits provided are roughly 3 ½ times less that that provided to all civilian workers and less than half that of private nursing homes.
Health insurance premium increases far exceed general inflation, requiring providers to increase the employee contribution.
Many private direct support professionals cannot afford to pay the employee portion of health insurance premiums - meaning fewer employees participate in this benefit than in other industries.

Click here to view more of the hard facts.

Who is at risk?
The entire infrastructure of long-term care and community-based supports and services to people with disabilities is at risk of collapse. Many providers are curtailing services while numerous states maintain waiting lists of thousands needing various levels of support and service. In addition, the aging U.S. population is bringing a demand for more direct-support services at a time when support jobs are going unfulfilled.

What are the wages and demographics of direct support staff?
Nearly one out of five live below the federal poverty level. One in seven relies on food stamps. The average median wage is $7.97 per hour (median of all U.S. workers is $11.87)

What will be achieved through this campaign?

Enhance wages and benefits.
Establish a national policy to address the workforce shortage.
Demonstrate the critical role direct support professionals make in enhancing the lives of Americans with disabilities.
Secure incentives for solidifying a career path for direct support professionals.
Build the level of public awareness of the depth of private provider services.

How do I make a contribution?
Everyone is welcome to become involved! ANCOR members, non-member providers, state provider associations and individuals are encouraged to join the campaign. Click here to find out how.

How can I be more involved in the campaign?
Agencies, provider associations, families and employees are integral to this campaign. In addition to monetary contributions, we need to continue to spread the word and increase funding. Click here to learn more about how to get involved.

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