HHS Approves Waiver Allowing Arkansas To Expand Medicaid Program for Disabled
CMS Administrator Tom Scully on Oct. 2 approved an Arkansas Medicaid waiver expanding eligibility in a pilot program that allows people with disabilities to choose how to spend government money to pay for their own care, the Associated Press reports (Jefferson, Associated Press, 10/2). Under the program, called "Independent Choices," Medicaid beneficiaries with long-term disabilities who qualify for treatment can choose to receive a monthly "allowance" rather than services and pay family members, friends or neighbors to care for them. In addition, beneficiaries can spend part of the allowance on "home modifications or assistive technologies" not usually covered by Medicaid (HHS release, 10/2). "The waiver essentially allows people to take the money that the government is going to spend in the disability world and give it to the patient and the family and let them spend it more flexibly, under state and federal guidelines," Scully said. Arkansas implemented the pilot program in 1998 and spends an average of $400 per month on each of the 875 people currently eligible to receive cash allowances. To enroll in the program, individuals must be eligible for Medicaid, at least 18 years old, have certification from a doctor to need personal care -- such as bathing, grooming, housekeeping, shopping and preparing meals -- and be able and willing to direct such care or have a representative direct such care (Associated Press, 10/2). Under the new waiver, Arkansas can expand the pilot program to all beneficiaries with long-term disabilities. Similar pilot programs are in place in Florida, New Jersey, Oregon and Colorado (HHS release, 10/2).
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