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October 2007 Legislative Special Session
Protect Individuals with Developmental
Disabilities from Further Cuts (pdf)
Individual and Family
Support for Change - Be Responsible
FCCF Position
It is important individuals with
developmental disabilities (DD), and those who support them, understand the
recent changes to the
Home and Community Base Services (HCBS) waiver. The HCBS waiver is the current program Florida has chosen to support
individuals with DD. It is a choice, and
it is not mandated that a state have a waiver program of any description.
The Florida Legislature has determined
HCBS waiver changes are necessary to meet their requirement that the
Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) stay within budget appropriations for the
services they provide.
Budget compliance has been mandated by the
Florida Legislature, Fiscal Year 2007-2008, beginning July 1, 2007. APD has
already begun identifying areas of change to make this budget
correction. Some of the
Legislative and APD changes will go through a review process by the
Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) before they are mandated. It is anticipated there will be
another $100 million deficit at the end of FY 2007-2008 if changes do not
happen rapidly.
House Bill 7067 was passed by the Florida House as a solution to get
the budget into appropriations. In the
last hours of session, the Florida House compromised with the Florida Senate for the
current
approved Legislation,
Senate Bill 1124. The Florida House could re-submit their
original House Bill next year if they do not believe APD has made
significant progress to control
the budget.
It is necessary for each individual
and family to be creative and look at how they can be a part of the
solution for the future of this program. Look at the services you
currently receive. Many individuals need the current level of
support services they receive, however
- Some individuals may be ready to
accept some of their own responsibility for self-determination and agree
to reduce current services.
- Some individuals may need to
change the type of service they receive to reduce costs, yet maintain the same outcomes.
The recent FCCF Bulletin (March 2007)
provides excellent articles to support individual and family support for quality
services. With knowledge there is power:
1.
Are your services Medically Necessary? (page 3)
2.
Check your financial statements
carefully (page 13)
3. Do you know how to interview for a
new provider? (page 10)
4.
Code of Conduct (page 11)
5.
Are you working as a team with your supports? (page 7)
6.
How do you find community help? (page 8)
7. Do you understand your Social
Security incentives? (page 14, 15)
Fa The Family Care Council Florida (FCCF) and the Agency for Persons with
Disabilities (APD) are committed to working together to assist families
and self-advocates during this season of change and uncertainty. Get
involved with your local Family Care Council (FCC) by calling
1-800-470-8101 for the latest updates, how to remain informed, and what
role you can play to assist in helping others.
