Agency
Department of Medical Assistance Services
 
Board
Board of Medical Assistance Services
 
Previous Comment     Next Comment     Back to List of Comments
10/6/26  9:38 am
Commenter: Tiffany Tillman

Individuals have the right to choices/ person centered supports
 

The Department of Justice Final Settlement with Virginia should protect and include all individuals with Developmental Disability in Virginia who wishes to live the life they desire. The Developmental Disability Service Authorization Unit is treating future DMAS proposed changes to the DD Waiver system as it is already policy and mandates. Individuals feel bulldozed and bullied to reduce authorized and/or change supports they've had for years to be happy and successful in the community due to the Service Authorization Unit denying services, reducing services, and/or suggesting residential or other services that the individual has not chosen or desires. It's causing undue stress and anxiety. It's not fair and strips away individual choice. DD Waiver supports has been determined by justication and the need of the individual with their Support Team agreeing and requesting person centered supports on their behalf. Limiting Personal Assistance to 56 hour/week in the DD Waiver system is not a person centered model because needs vary. Personal Assistance, especially Consumer Directed, truly give individuals the opportunity to design the support they desire with staff they hire and prefer to do activities with flexibility. It was a disservice to cap services in the CCC+ Waiver system, leaving many elders displaced due to not having enough care in the home and being admitted to nursing facilities to only receive subpar care. The choice of Service Facilitators not being an option is another break in the system and violates individual choice, if and when state selected Support Brokers are implemented. Individuals have the right to make choices and any changes that impede this right should be reconsidered. 

CommentID: 242176