Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
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Department of Medical Assistance Services
 
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Board of Medical Assistance Services
 
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11/7/19  11:08 pm
Commenter: Stephen Grammer, Disabilities Advocate

Back Up Plan for Consumer Direct Services
 

Some people with disabilities barely have enough attendants, because $9.40/hr. is the lowest paying healthcare job, the caregivers cannot work with pay over 40 hours a week, meaning that if we don't have enough staff they are unpaid, and you have no insurance or benefits for them. Some of us rely on caregivers, because we do Not have any natural supports. Even though a back up plan is great, sometimes that is Not feasible for every situation. If you take away Consumer Direct Services because we cannot get a back up plan, this violates our ADA rights to choose in the least restrictive environment possible. This could lead into disabled people being forced to live in nursing homes, which would also violate persons with disabilities ADA rights to live in the community.

CommentID: 76851