I support the approval of Money Follows the Person.

Individuals that are eligible for assistance with their medical needs should have the opportunity to continue to receive financial support during their transition from a long term care setting and into community based living arrangements.  Money Follows the Person is a reasonable expectation that should be afforded to persons that are dependent upon medical assistance services in order to continue care. 

My concern is cost containement of offered health care services. In an effort to provide care, the expectation should be care and services that are affordable without compromising quality. 

I support the family impact program.  It is advantageous for individuals to transition from institutionalized care and into a more family like enviroment.  This action promotes compassion and humanizes care; and creates a sense of normalcy which is beneficial to the individual as well as the family. 

I support the drug donation program with the contigency of approval based upon established  pre-screening criteria before permitting acceptance into the program.  I suggest excluding capsules that are not tamper evident from the drug donation program because of the potential to alter this type of medication.

In closing,  Money Follows the Person is a beneficial to indviduals that require medical assistance services.

K. Hitchman, RN

Norfolk State University RN to BSN Program