We have a special needs, developmentally delayed daughter with MANY complicated health issues. It is imperative that we are allowed to maintain our relationship with her Service Facilitator, who has been helping us for the past several years. We have built a relationship with her. She is aware of all of our daughter's health concerns and needs. She helps us through the complicated world of waivers, Medicaid, and SSI. She answers questions about our daughter's Plan of Care, EOR responsibilities, Attendant do's and dont's, and DMAS/PPL compliance. Whenever we are looking for answers, she is there to assist us. It is nice knowing we have someone in our corner looking out for our daughter. This individualized ,one-on-one attention would not be possible with a Support Broker Model, especially if case loads assigned to agents were too numerous to revisit every 3 months. Our Service Facilitator is caring, prompt, schedule-oriented, and very organized.
There are also questions and doubts about how all of the changes being considered would be implemented in an effective manner. Would Support Brokers be specially trained and ready to answer questions as needed, at any time, promptly? Would they be willing to learn about all of their clients' specific needs and medical issues? Would visits take place every 3 months as required, even though there could be a shortage of agents due to the inundation of clients all at once? Would they be able to communicate to us, in advance, upcoming requirements and deadlines so there would not be any risk of loss of coverage? Would they be willing to be advocates for our children and families, making sure they receive the help and attention they require, not just the minimum?
I am asking that families have a CHOICE. The day-to-day worries and stress of caring for a special needs family member are too numerous to name. With all of the proposed changes and mandates, the level of concern is even more intense. Knowing that you have a knowledgeable, dedicated, and reliable Service Facilitator working with you is priceless.
Thank you for listening to our concerns and taking them into consideration.
