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Medicaid Services

MA serves about 121,000 people with disabilities. The program is a state-federal partnership; for every $1 spent on services, 42¢ is contributed by the state and 58¢ by the federal government.

MA covers an array of programs that enable people with disabilities to be independent and productive citizens. Some of the most important ones include:

• Community Integration Program (CIP)
• Personal Care
• Home Health Care
• Eye Care
• Dental Care
• Physical and Occupational Therapy
• Speech and Hearing Services
• Medical Transportation
• Mental Health

On average, community costs are less than institutional costs, but about 3,600 consumers and families are on waiting lists for the Community Integration Program. The average daily costs for community care and institutions include:

• Community Integration Program 1B: $89.20
• Nursing Home Care: $165.74
• Intermediate Care Facility: $166.16
• State Developmental Disabilities Center: $487.00

Community services provide economic benefits to large and small communities across the state. Families and consumers are able to participate in the workforce. Provider agencies employ people that generate local and state revenue through their taxes and purchases.

What is the problem?

Under current law, people who are eligible can enter an institution without having to wait (entitlement.) Support in the community is not an entitlement. Consumers and families wanting services in the community rather than in an institution may have to wait for years.

How can it be fixed?

Shift funding from institutional services to high quality community services. Allow people in institutions to be supported in the community using the same funding.

What is the problem?

The rates used to reimburse MA community service providers are inadequate to recruit and retain qualified workers.

How can it be fixed?

Provide more revenue to the MA program and raise rates. Increase taxes on cigarettes and target most of the revenue to reimbursing MA for smoking-related medical costs.