I am in opposition to the proposed regulations for Virginia Medicaid waivers that would require the families of disabled Virginians to be employees of a licensed homecare agency in order to receive payment for full-time care of their loved ones.

For years, these families have been paid to provide essential care for their disabled loved ones, often at great personal sacrifice. This has allowed many individuals with disabilities to remain in their homes and receive the care and support they need in a familiar and comfortable environment.

The proposed regulations would change all of this, creating an undue burden on caregivers and potentially forcing families to make difficult choices about the care of their loved ones. The requirement to become an employee of a licensed homecare agency would add significant administrative and financial burdens for families already struggling to provide care for their loved ones. Additionally, many caregivers would likely lose the flexibility and control they currently have over their caregiving duties, which is crucial for providing personalized care and maintaining a strong bond between the caregiver and the person receiving care.

I urge you to reconsider these proposed regulations and instead, work with caregivers to develop a more reasonable and compassionate approach to addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families. By continuing to support the current system, we can ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to receive the care they need and deserve, while also recognizing the critical role that families play in providing this care.