Heading to Chicago today to meet with Secretary Dimas and other advocates on “CILA the Path Forward.”
Here are The Arc’s comments submitted on the Transition Plan.
Tony
Comments on HFS Transition Plan for New CMS Rules on
Home & Community Based Services
The Arc supports the new CMS Rules on Home & Community Based Services because the rules’ focus will lead Illinois to a person-centered system based upon the needs of the individuals we are here to support.
The Illinois Developmental Disability Community System is terribly underfunded and relies heavily upon institutional services. If you analyze the spending, you will see that we fund day and residential services in groups not tailored to individualized supports required for person-centered planning. In my opinion, the Illinois system will have to change dramatically and invest in community supports if we are to achieve the standards set before us with the new CMS Rules.
New funding is necessary to carry out the intent of these new rules including funding to increase direct service professionals’ wages and benefits.
The proposed plan lacks detailed outcomes in order to comply with the new CMS rules.
Tony Paulauski
Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
708-828-0188 (CELL)
Tony@thearcofil.org