Funding Services for the Developmentally Disabled

Over at DAWG Oregon (that's Disability Activists Work Group) -- they've got a striking tale of how the state is using (and possibly mis-using) funds for developmentally disabled Oregonians:

From 2001 to 2005, the State of Oregon saved over 29 million dollars through nine community based "brokerages" operating to connect adults with developmental disabilities with services in the community. More than 2,000 people are still waiting for services and currently receiving nothing more than a yearly visit with a county case manager. It's important to note that these are people who have already qualified for Medicaid funded services, but have been placed on a "waiting list" because it's said that services are not available. But, instead of making services available, the legislature has chosen to use the savings to help balance the State's budget. ...

The Staley agreement has never been fully funded or executed in good faith according to the court order. The governor’s “principles” budget for 2005-2007 continues the trend to underfund the program. There are still over 2,000 people with a developmental disability whose civil rights are violated daily by remaining on the waitlist for Medicaid Home and Community Based Waiver Services for which they have already been found eligible. Some of these people have been waiting for more than 30 years. For too long, state policy makers, politicians and the public have ignored that which is plainly stated in the ADD Act of 2000, that "a substantial portion of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families do not have access to appropriate support ... and remain unserved or underserved."

It's a bit complex, so head on over to read the rest: State Rips Off 29 Million from Medicaid Eligible Adults with Developmental Disabilities. Discuss.

March 29, 2006 Posted in elsewhere.