Thursday, The Arc met with key Health Care & Family Services (HFS) staff to review the state’s discussion on the implementation of Phase 3 on Managed Care. Phase 3 will place all developmental disability community and institutional services under the umbrella of Managed Care. The Arc continues to oppose Phase 3.
Those attending the meeting for HFS were Theresa Eagleson, Medicaid Director and James Parker, Deputy Administrator, Division of Medical Programs. Representatives of The Arc included Shirley Perez, Amie Lulinski Norris, Dan Strick, Deb Sheppard and Phil Milsk.
We had a very good meeting. Theresa and Jim really know their stuff, but the main message was that Phase 3 is on hold for now. Little work has been done on it because of the rebalancing and implementation of Phase 2, which includes all other disability community waivers including Home Services, except the developmental disabilities services. It was stressed that when they begin the planning for Phase 3, The Arc, self advocates, families and providers will be at the table. I found it interesting that the Medically Fragile Technology Dependent Children’s Waiver is carved out of Phase 2.
Here is my letter on Managed Care that was shared at the meeting.
I am taking a few days off ,so have a Happy Thanksgiving! For those of you who will be challenged with the difficult job and pressure of cutting the family turkey, here is my video on the “Paulauski’s Perfectly Carved Turkey.” Enjoy!
