We have commented early in the public review process as to our strong support for the granting of VGL's Medicaid Waiver Payment. We maintain that support and believe that VGL is fully HBCS compliant.

Comments in support of VGL come from families with lived experience to the commitment and outstanding capabilities of the VGL team. They also come from families with hopes and aspirations for a loved one to be a future resident. 

It is disappointing to see the level of opposition to VGL from largely anonymous sources who have the intention of restricting choices of families who have conducted their own considerable due diligence and made impactful life decisions.

Many negative comments in this forum contain factual inaccuracies and demonstrate very little actual knowledge of VGL's business model and how they operate every day. They also promote a false dichotomy between living independently and living at VGL. VGL residents ARE being given the opportunity to live independently with proper, calibrated support as needed. 

Other comments against VGL suggest conflicts of interest from the authors. 

Two prominent examples include:

1. Hope House is an existing service provider for the DD community in the Tidewater area which already utilizes Medicaid Waiver funding as payment for their services. They could have competitive and financial reasons that inform their stance against VGL.
2. The VA Board for People with Disabilities includes a representative from DMAS, the very agency in charge of reviewing VGL's compliance with HBCS requirements. In addition, the Executive Director of the Board is a state employee. In taking a position with respect to VGL's application for Medicaid Waiver Payment, the Board seems to be creating the appearance of a conflict of interest with those directly participating in the state evaluation process or serving in an advisory role publicly commenting on and recommending an outcome in this instance. 

We sincerely hope that VGL will be evaluated objectively and be granted approval for the Medicaid Waiver Payment and that we can continue the work of building a thriving community for all those that choose it. VGL should be accessible to all and not have families subject to conflicted parties attempting to deny them their choice of where their loved ones can access services. 

Greg and Sara Walters