MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAM

THE STATE OF INDIANA IS TRYING TO MAKE DRASTIC CHANGES TO THE CURRENT MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAM.  THIS INCLUDES ALL WAIVERS, WHICH MEANS, IT  WILL JEPORDIZE ALL OF OUR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN AND ADULTS THAT ARE CURRENTLY ON THE WAIVER PROGRAM AND ON THE WAITING LIST FOR SUCH SERVICES.
THE CURRENT WAITING LIST MAY START TO NOT DISREGARD PARENTAL INCOME IN ORDER FOR A CHILD TO BE ELIGBLE FOR MEDICAID WAIVERS AND THE MEDICAID HEALTH CARE COVERAGE. THIS WILL IMPACT SOME PARENTS CHOICES TO KEEP THEIR CHILDREN AT HOME AND BE ABLE TO RECEIVE SERVICES.
THE CURRENT INDIVIDUALS ON THE WAIVER PROGRAM WILL RECEIVE SIGNIFICANT DECREASES IN THEIR RHS (STAFFING HOURS). THEY WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN DAY SERVICES DISREGUARDING THEIR MEDICAL AND PHYSICAL NEEDS. THIS WILL INTERRUPT THEIR DAILY ROUTINES AND THE ACTIVITES THAT THEY ARE USED TO IN THE COMFORT OF THEIR OWN HOME.
CURRENTLY, THE STATE IS WORKING ON MAJOR CHANGES TO THE MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAM THAT BEGINNING IN 2013 ANY INDIVIDUAL SCORING HIGH WITH THE ALGO LEVEL WILL BE REQUIRED TO RETURN TO AN INSTITON. THESE CHANGES WILL GREATLY IMPACT THEIR INDEPENDENCE AND THEIR RIGHTS FOR LIVING A NORMAL LIFE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY. CURRENTLY, THEIR ARE VERY FEW FACILITIES THAT ARE STILL OPERATING WITHIN THE STATE OF INDIANA.  IF FACILTIES ARE REOPENDED, THIS WILL COST THE STATE A GREAT DEAL OF MONEY WHICH WILL CAUSE AN INCREASE IN TAXES.
THESE CHANGES WILL INCREASE THE RISK OF DETERIORATION IN HEALTH STATUS, SAFTEY CONCERNS AND THEIR DAILY LIVING.