Prioritize Texans with Disabilities and Community Services
Self Advocates and Advocates of Texans with disabilities,
The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) submitted a revised legislative appropriations request (LAR) to the Legislature. The new LAR includes just 22 exceptional items, compared to the 64 submitted in September. This revised LAR could be detrimental to Texans with IDD and their families.
In order for Texas to comply with federal laws and the will of their constituents with disabilities, they must ensure that the Medicaid waiver waitlist moves at a reasonable pace. HHSC always requests a reasonable reduction. Sadly, the revised LAR submitted January 30th does not include any reduction of these lengthy lists for community-based waivers.
As many of you know, Medicaid waiver services are critical to individuals with IDD. These waiver services allow individuals to live independent and meaningful lives in their communities. We have seen the demand for community-based services increase over time, as the demand for institutional care has decreased. Individuals should not have to wait up to 12 years for these critical services.
In addition, the current budget does not include funding of current caseloads. Exceptional item 13 provides funds to maintain both waiver caseloads and State Supported Living Centers. If not funded, some individuals receiving waiver services will lose their valuable services in August.
Texans with IDD need you to speak up about the importance of community based waiver services. Tell legislators on Senate Finance this is important to you, now!
Prioritize Texans with Disabilities and Community Services
Self Advocates and Advocates of Texans with disabilities,
The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) submitted a revised legislative appropriations request (LAR) to the Legislature. The new LAR includes just 22 exceptional items, compared to the 64 submitted in September. This revised LAR could be detrimental to Texans with IDD and their families.
In order for Texas to comply with federal laws and the will of their constituents with disabilities, they must ensure that the Medicaid waiver waitlist moves at a reasonable pace. HHSC always requests a reasonable reduction. Sadly, the revised LAR submitted January 30th does not include any reduction of these lengthy lists for community-based waivers.
As many of you know, Medicaid waiver services are critical to individuals with IDD. These waiver services allow individuals to live independent and meaningful lives in their communities. We have seen the demand for community-based services increase over time, as the demand for institutional care has decreased. Individuals should not have to wait up to 12 years for these critical services.
In addition, the current budget does not include funding of current caseloads. Exceptional item 13 provides funds to maintain both waiver caseloads and State Supported Living Centers. If not funded, some individuals receiving waiver services will lose their valuable services in August.
Texans with IDD need you to speak up about the importance of community based waiver services. Tell legislators on Senate Finance this is important to you, now!