My name is Jeanne Robinson. I live in Henrico County, Virginia. During  the pandemic, parents were able to serve as paid caregivers to waiver-eligible minors, and we saw an increase of benefits, including less strain on the limited pool of hired caregivers, family income, stability as parents didn’t risk losing their jobs and staying home with zero income to take care to kids with special needs. Also this did decrease access to services already approved. We must reinstate and make permanent provisions. This proposed amendment, which is consistent with other CMS – approved plans will make a huge positive difference for impacted families. 

With all in mind, I am writing today with the following request:

Rather than a start date of 1/1/2025, I propose that this date be backdated to start on 3/1/2004 when the Appendix K waiver expired and new regulations were put into effect. Legally Responsible Individuals who have been providing care in access of  40 hours per week for more than one waiver receiving minor ought to eligible to receive full reimbursement of approved waiver hours. 

I further asked that consideration be given to how we can extend respite services to LRI’s in a manner that is consistent with respite services that can be assessed by patients using a consumer direct option.

Respectfully

Jeanne Robinson Home Care Worker - SEIU Chapter 512