I strongly oppose eliminating independent Service Facilitators.  I am thankful to have a facilitator who understands the processes, requirements, and rules associated with Medicaid and PPL.  This is so very complicated that most individuals would have a very hard time taking care of paperwork without the help of a knowledgeable facilitator.  I have so many times run into difficulties and had to rely on my facilitator to straighten out things that have went askew with no fault of my own.  PPL is allowing me to stay at home which I am thankful for, but the increased use of technology requirements for elderly and low income people is almost impossible without someone to help.  This is why we need the facilitator.

Also, the 56 hours limit is not adequate and unfair to so many who have tremendous needs.  We hope the Service Facilitators can stay in place and that the PPL program can improve and help people more, rather than put up barriers that make it more difficult for people to access these services.