Massachusetts Disability Cuts

The Arc offered the following --

Ask Gov. to take Disability Services off chopping block

Cuts imminent to Day Hab, Dental, PCA, AFC and Podiatry

In a disappointing turn of events and despite our best efforts, the Governor and his Administration have announced that they will address the $307 Million MassHealth budget gap with cuts to critical long-term disability services, including Day Habilitation, Dental and other services. Cuts translate into elimination of services or reductions of more than 20%.

The long term care cuts that significantly affect our population include:
1. Day Habilitation (cuts one hour of service each day and reduces rates, which together equates to a more than 20 percent cut)
2. Adult Dental restorative services
3. Personal Care Attendant services (eliminates services for those receiving less than 14 hours/week)
4. Podiatry services (eliminates access for all except those with diabetes)
5. Adult Foster Care - payment rates reduced and access eliminated for instrumental needs (money mgmt, food and other shopping, transportation, etc. Details to be confirmed.)

The consequences of these cuts will be dire. In order of daily impact, they include:
Day Habilitation - Reduction of rate and program hours to 5 hours/day from 6 hours. 7,200 people willneed additional supervision or support at home.More than 65 percent of those being cut live in residential housing which means residential providers will have to provide an additional hour of service daily - equals 50% of the cut.

Cutting an hour only saves money ifstaff salaries are also reduced andthis wouldresult in staff turnover and greater difficulty recruiting new staff. We estimate this cut translates into a cut of more than 20% or $27 Million in annual savings.

Dental Services -- Restorative care (dentures etc.) is being eliminated. We are told that Exec. Office of Health & Human Services is addressing the need for individuals with I/DD in this regard. Cut is estimated at more than $50 Million annually.

PCA services-- 1,600 individualswith a need for less than 14 hours/week of PCA services will lose their services and find themselves without options. Cut estimated at $6.4 Million annual savings.

Adult Foster Care -- Cut will lower rate and possibly change eligibility regulations for those who need assistance only in instrumental activities of daily living (money management, transportation, etc.); also includes cuts in group adult foster care. Estimatecombined annual savings of $26 Million.

Podiatry services - All except those with diabetes will lose podiatry services.They will be at higher risk for infections and related problems, especially those living in residences. Annual savings is unclear.

Use this Action Alert to send the Governor a message now, asking him to hold true to his promise to protect people with disabilities.

Take Action!