A Giant Leap For Medicaid      

Medicaid has taken a giant and important leap recently.  Because of this move forward, it is now possible that thousands of people will be able to get home-based care rather than being institutionalized.  This new provision allows people to get care in their homes or in the community instead of an institutional setting.

The Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) allows states to provide people who qualify for Medicaid benefits to receive this care without having to apply for a demonstration waver to prove their eligibility.  Having the option as to how an individual will receive long-term support is an historic step in leveling the playing field.

Individuals will now be able to receive person-centered care and have a part in the development and decision making about that care. Some of the services that states will be able to provide under this new provision will be case management, homemaker, home health aide, personal care, adult day health and respite care.  In addition, individuals with chronic mental illness can receive day treatment, partial hospitalization, psychosocial rehabilitation and clinic services.

This new provision is an essential step in helping individuals with disabilities have the choice to be part of and participate in the community, stay in their own comfortable surroundings, make choices regarding services and have the support of a program that will offer them these options and more.

Entry Filed under: General-Medicaid