What happens to agency providers with MFP

[Guest guest]

Provider agencies don't need to worry much about MFP (money following the

person) because, in the case of Tenn., there are plenty of other options people

can choose. Many disabled wouldn't want to do anything with money following the

person, but many people would like a freer way to choose. No, MFP won't do away

with the agency providers...at least not the way other states do things.

You can bet, however, that provider agencies will worry, but shouldn't we with

individuals have as much right to make choices as those adults in nursing homes?

Right now here in Texas the main options are group homes, and foster care done

mostly by parents at home with some other people electing to do this foster

care. The CLASS program also has many close to money following the person

options but doesn't provide someone to live with an individual, called companion

care in the Home and Community Based waiver System (HCS in Texas). If one

program offers MFP why do we close the door to others in another waiver program?

A group home might just be the best option out there for some, for example.

The kid loves the company of others and thinks the group home is special because

all his friends live there too. I know of one mildly affected adult with autism

who feels the group home is like one big pajama party. He loves it.

Some parents will still keep the individual at home because the arrangement

works.

There usually isn't a huge groundswell of folks who choose change. But I think

Texas may be holding up on doing this largely because of the influence of the

provider agencies, but also because of lack of knowledge on what to do. That is

why WE must have a strong lobbying effort to counteract the influence of the

provider agencies. We must tell DADS what WE want. Our individuals need TRUE

choice. Parents do have power!

Read about what some people in Tenn. say about microboard experiences, which is

money following the person

http://www.tnmicroboards.org/microboards_in_action.htm

In the case of the nursing homes and MFP, well, I am told, they were surprised

at the number who chose to leave. But you can't compare our individuals with

people in nursing homes either. If there are lots who are VERY unhappy with

group homes then maybe those people will want the MFP choice. Many others who

are innovative like I will want to undertake MFP.

If we can do MFP for persons in nursing homes then we can allow options for

those with autism such as an autism waiver, at least!

If MFP is decided upon then there should be training and service options

available to consider.

This is a link from a couple who developed the concept of microboards, which is

true MFP. http://www.communityworks.info/articles/microboard.htm

Here is a link to an article about what money following the person is all about

http://www.adapt.org/mfp1.htm

Martha