Following years in limbo, a popular Medicaid program that assists people with disabilities in transitioning from institutions to community-based living will become more widely available.
The Money Follows the Person program will be extended to three additional states and two U.S. territories, according to a statement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services last week. The program provides additional funding for employment, housing, and other services to assist persons in transitioning from nursing homes and other institutions to community-based homes.
The program provides additional funding for employment, housing, and other services to assist persons in transitioning from nursing homes and other institutions to community-based homes. According to a recent study on the program released last week by CMS, more than 107,000 persons transitioned with the help of Money Follows the Person between 2008 and 2020.
According to CMS, it will transfer up to $5 million to Illinois, Kansas, New Hampshire, American Samoa, and Puerto Rico. According to organizers, the new rewards will aid in early planning for the introduction of Money Follows the Person in these areas. Money Follows the Person programs will be implemented in 41 states and territories, according to CMS, with the most recent announcement of awards totaling around $25 million. Territories are being included for the first time.
Medicaid is a vital program for millions of people with disabilities including me. Medicaid pays for my PCAs. My PCA helps me with activities of daily living including showering, toileting, and dressing. Medicaid allows me to live in my own apartment at 22-years-old. Without Medicaid, I fear that I would end up living in a nursing home. No young adult wants to live in a nursing home. Private insurance doesn’t cover home and community-based services.
Medicaid is a lifeline for millions of America’s most vulnerable citizens. Programs such as MFP allow people to be active members of their communities. The expansion of Medicaid’s programs will enable even more people to live in their community rather than in an institution.
Source:
Diament, Michelle. “Medicaid Program Helping People Leave Institutions Headed to More States.” Disability Scoop, Disability Scoop, 25 Aug. 2022, https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2022/08/25/medicaid-program-helping-people-leave-institutions-headed-to-more-states/30001/.