Independence Plus

This table is modified from previous chart received during CMS Presentation at 2003 HCBS Waiver Conference (October 28, 2003 Milwaukee, WI) and in draft form. It compares the 1915c, 1115, or DRA for the following issues: Level of Care/ Eligibility, Combining Populations, Budget Neutrality, Reporting, Renewal, and Evaluation, Support Brokerage, Cash Allowance, Hiring Legally Responsible Individuals, Provider Agreements, Direct Payment to Providers, Payment for Services.

Using six states as examples, this report illustrates how the DD Network partners, working with each other and in collaboration with state developmental disability agencies and others, have positively affected the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities - assuring their rightful place as full community members through advocacy, research, training, and programs that directly support individuals and families.

The authors of this report conclude that in the 10 years since the Olmstead decision, there has been little national (though some individual state) progress moving people with disabilities out of nursing facilities and public institutions and into communities with supports. The report includes an overview of Olmstead, institutional data, and recommendations for improvement.

Guidance is offered on the implementation of section 6087 of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) Public Law Number 109-171. Section 6087, the “Optional Choice of Self-Directed Personal Assistance Services (PAS) (Cash and Counseling)” amended section 1915 of the Social Security Act by adding subsection (j). Guidance also applies to section 1915(c) HCBS waiver programs when states offer the self-direction opportunity and permit participants to purchase “individual directed goods and services.”

Idaho’s, My Voice, My Choice training program, is an online resource for those wishing to be Support Brokers. The site’s main categories include a section for Computer Instructions, Meeting the Trainers, Readings and Activities. The course itself stresses several key concepts: Self-Determination, the Philosophical Shift that is occurring from traditional supports to a self-directed model, Person-Centered Planning, and the Ethics and Professionalism required as a successful Support Broker.

An interactive map displays how many 1915(c) waivers each state has. Clicking on a state’s name displays number of participant and expenditures by waiver type as compared to nationwide numbers. Participant and expenditure data are also available for personal care, home health, and individualized budget services. Clicking “Compare” in any data area displays a table illustrating selected data for all states. Information is taken from CMS form 372 and is downloadable.

The Compendium contains basic information about each of the Real Choice Systems Change Grant awards in FY03–FY04 plus the Family to Family and Systems Transformation Grantees awarded in FY05 and FY06. The Compendium will help Grantees identify others with similar goals and activities. Learn more about how the grants will be used to allow more people of all ages with a disability or long term illness to live and participate in their communities. The sixth edition replaces all previous editions.