The Arc, whose mission is to promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, wants to thank the North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA) for approving the bill allocating $319 million in funding for NC Medicaid.
This critical funding is essential for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), as it helps meet a broad range of needs, from eating and bathing to enhanced support for employment and community-based services. We recognize the need for creative investments that will help sustain supports and services for individuals with IDD, promoting independence and decreasing dependency on paid supports, and saving Medicaid dollars to be used in other ways.
Some ideas include:
Assistive technology and remote support
Many individuals with IDD can benefit from an improved and increased use of assistive technology in their daily lives and homes. This can range from apps on devices to remote support that replaces staff and reduces overall costs. Investments in available and appropriate technologies can save Medicaid dollars weekly, monthly, and long-term for a considerable number of individuals with IDD.
Tiered waivers
Tiered home and community-based waivers for individuals with IDD will create increased options to provide needed supports to more people with higher levels of care. These waivers must include: (1) options for assistive technology that can reduce costs, and (2) self-direction options that can promote increased self-reliance and independence.
Community-based crisis and step-down services
Developing effective community-based options for crisis services will help reduce repetitive visits and long-term boarding in emergency departments, short and long-term hospitalizations, and recidivism in these most expensive options.
Aging services for the IDD Community
Designing better options for IDD aging services so people may age in place with the supports they need will improve quality of life and health outcomes and decrease future Medicaid costs.
Tailored Care Management
There is a lack of shared data between Tailored Plans and Tailored Care Management (TCM) providers. This problem drives up costs, delays care, and limits the effectiveness of health interventions, especially for people with complex needs. Sharing this data would support health education and improvement among people with IDD, while decreasing related costs for TCM providers and LME/MCOs.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
ABA services have provided much-needed support and effective treatment for many people with autism spectrum disorders and their families. Many of the new proposed requirements will continue to support effective treatment while decreasing costs substantially.
Our team at the Arc looks forward to a continued working relationship with members of the NCGA on issues of importance to individuals with IDD and their families.
