On Friday, Phil Milsk, Margaret Storey, Shea Ako and I met with Director Hamos to discuss changes in the SMART Act to protect the Medically Fragile, Technology Dependent Waiver Children’s Waiver. We are concerned that the changes in the SMART Act will force children off the waiver into nursing homes. We shared with the Director our Advocates Proposed Changes to the MFTD Waiver Legislation within the Smart Act Paper that was developed by the Save the Waiver families.Also attending the meeting were Cristal Thomas from the Governor’s Office, Senator Heather Steans, Representatives Patti Bellock & Sara Feigenholtz and Theresa Eagleson from HFS.
It was a good meeting but nothing was resolved. The Director and Legislators indicated they would get back to us soon.
A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of six families in the MFTD Waiver that could turn into a class action lawsuit.
This could get interesting.
Tony Paulauski Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
815-464-1832 (CELL)
Tony@www.thearcofil.org
