Waiver providers cannot compete with corporations (e.g., fast food chains, retail) that offer $15/hr and signing bonuses.
Low pay contributes to high turnover rates and difficulty recruiting new staff.
High turnover is correlated with lower quality of care, increases in injuries to individuals and care providers, and fewer service options due to dangerously low staffing ratios.
Therefore, increasing rates for waiver funded services will:
attract and retain highly qualified staff and reduce turnover rates
improve quality of services (provider are able to provider more effective supervision)
reduce injuries to individuals and staff
increase service options (consumer choice) for individuals
