Proposed Changes to DD Waiver

[Guest guest]

Ocampo wrote: Good afternoon!As you may have heard, the Florida Senate has suggested a three-tieredwaiver program that would have the Agency for Health Care Administration(AHCA) ask the federal government for approval of a third (middle tier)waiver that would be capped at $30,000 and would encompass individuals whohave cost plans around this level and are currently on the DevelopmentalDisabilities Home and Community Based Waiver. Under this tier, residential habilitation services would be limited to thenumber of hours medically necessary, but may not exceed 8 hours per day.Personal care assistance services would be limited to the number of hoursmedically necessary, but may not exceed 150 hours per calendar month.Clients served through this middle tier would include,

but not be limitedto, clients requiring residential placements.If this proposal is approved, all clients receiving services through theDevelopmental Disabilities Home and Community-Based Waiver as of March 1,2007, would be moved to this middle tier with the exception of clients who(1) have service needs that exceed $30,000 for intensive medical or adaptiveneeds and that are essential for avoiding institutionalization; or (2)possess behavioral concerns that are exceptional in intensity, duration, orfrequency and present a substantial risk of harm to themselves or others.The Family and Supported Living Waiver would comprise the lower tier, cappedat around $14,792. This waiver would include, but not be limited to, clientsin independent or supported living situations or clients who live in thefamily home.The top tier would remain the uncapped Developmental Disabilities Home andCommunity Based Waiver. The top

tier would be limited to clients whoseservices are paid under the home and community-based services waiver, whosehigher level of service needs are essential to avoid institutionalization,or who possess behavioral concerns that are exceptional in intensity,duration, or frequency and present a substantial risk of harm to themselvesor others.Senate Bill 1124e=sb1124c1.html & Directory=session/2007/Senate/bills/billtext/html/> will beheard on the Senate floor on April 11, 2007.At the same time Senate Bill 2800ubMenu=1 & Year=2007 & billnum=2800> , the General Appropriations Bill, proposes$170-million dollars less than the Governor's recommendations, the threetiered waiver system mentioned previously, and the following cuts

inservices:* No companion services * A maximum of 150 Personal Care Attendant (PCA) hours monthly thatare medically necessary * An eight hour maximum of Residential Habilitation services per day * Supported Living services that are capped at an institutionalequivalent - no exceptionsPlease contact your Senator to let them know how Senate Bill 1124e=sb1124c1.html & Directory=session/2007/Senate/bills/billtext/html/> andand the Agency for Persons with Disabilities' budget in Senate Bill 2800ubMenu=1 & Year=2007 & billnum=2800> , the General Appropriations Bill willaffect you or your loved one with a disability._______________________________________________Fndlistserv mailing

listFndlistserv@...http://fndfl.org/mailman/listinfo/fndlistserv_fndfl.org

Expecting? Get great news right away with email Auto-Check.Try the Yahoo! Mail Beta.