Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Medical Assistance Services
 
Board
Board of Medical Assistance Services
 
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11/22/24  1:15 pm
Commenter: Alexis Williamson

Support
 

I support the continuation of the 1115 waiver for individuals with SMI (Serious Mental illness). It will be important for the General Assembly to continue to support the DBHDS (Department of Behavioral Health and Disability Services) in rental subsidies and services to provide housing to very low-income people with SMI (Serious Mental Illness), which will be critical moving forward. Additionally, being able to have access to behavioral health care is critical for individuals with SMI, and having early prevention and management services that are personalized to their needs would be very essential, particularly with children and youth.  Therefore, community-based services and inpatient and outpatient facilities need to continue incorporating people with disabilities (PWDs) that have SMI providing accommodations, which can include sensory-friendly spaces and specialized staff training to meet the needs of PWDs. Since the wavier is coordinating transportation to appointments, there should be an increase in provider development to ensure capacity can meet the need.

CommentID: 228910