Update: What About the Waiting List?

Posted February 8, 2012 by Mandy Smith in

On February 1, 2012 disability advocates across the state began a concerted effort to contact the Governor’s office and SRS regarding the Waiting Lists for Home and Community Based Services. The Governor’s office and the SRS administration responded less than satisfactorily advising (after several off the wall suggestions) that the Waiting Lists for Home and Community Based Services would be funded through savings “over time” that Medicaid would realize once Managed Care was in effect.

It is important that Governor Brownback hears from the disability community and our supporters and understands that their lack of a concrete plan to address the waiting lists is not acceptable. According to SRS, as of January 1, 2012 there are 3,369 persons waiting for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Physically Disabled (PD) services. 15 persons died while waiting during the month of Dec, 2011. The last person offered PD Services had been waiting for 2 years and 9 months!

These are Kansans age 16-64 who could, at any time, receive care in a nursing home at a much higher cost to the state. Meanwhile, the state’s ending balance continues to rise. Please contact Governor Brownback today and ask him what his plan is to ensure that the lives of Kansans are given the respect and dignity they deserve. Click here for a sample letter.

 

Mandy Smith

Mandy has worked at RCIL since June of 2009. She is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and provides services in 32 counties to individuals who are blind or have low vision and are 55 years and older.

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