The message at a recent town hall meeting about recommended changes to state programs for people with disabilities was loud and clear:
“Send an email, send an email, send an email!”
That’s what Jill Hunter, deputy commissioner with the Kentucky Department of Medicaid, told people gathered at the Ralph Rush Center in Florence on May 11.
“Your ideas and thoughts matter,” she said.
The town hall in Florence was one of 10 such meetings held around the state in May to share updates and gather feedback on preliminary recommendations to improve the state’s six 1915(c) Medicaid waiver programs. Those programs are designed to help people with disabilities gain services and supports that allow them to live in their homes and communities rather than institutions.
At this time, Hunter said at the meeting, the state does not plan to reconfigure any of the waivers. The state will continue to seek comments and questions from those affected by the waivers, Hunter said, adding that those on waiting lists for waivers also are encouraged to send comments and questions. Navigant Consulting, Inc., hired by the state to study the waivers, will use that information to issue final recommendations this summer.
Comments and questions should be directed to MedicaidPublicComment@ky.gov. by June 15 to be considered in the final recommendations. For a summary of the preliminary recommendations, email project manager Lori Gresham at lori.gresham@ky.gov.
The state also plans to compile and share with the public a list of Frequently Asked Questions from the comments received at the town halls and through emails. Hunter stressed the importance of “stakeholder engagement” and said the state will take its time and ask good questions in the review and recommendation process.
The state began assessing the waiver programs more than a year ago. In April 2017, Kentucky hired Navigant to study the waivers and recommend ways to improve them. In the fall, the state held 40 focus groups across Kentucky to gather comments from waiver participants as well as caregivers, family members and providers. Navigant also assessed each waiver and interviewed state staff.
From that work, Navigant created its preliminary recommendations, which were presented at the town halls. The recommendations address issues that include ease of understanding and use of the waivers, participants’ needs assessments, budgets based on individual needs, payment rates for providers, case manager training, and improved participant experiences.
The six waivers are Home and Community-Based, Michelle P., Supports for Community Living, Acquired Brain Injury Acute, Acquired Brain Injury Long-Term, and Model II, which is for individuals who are dependent on a ventilator for up to 12 hours a day.
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Photo from Pixabay.
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