Dear Gov. Brownback,

Over the last week, disability rights advocates questioned what your administration’s plan was to address the growing and unmoving Home and Community Based Services(HCBS) Waiting Lists. The response that was received indicated that these Waiting Lists would be funded “over time” after a savings from Medicaid reform is realized.

Depending on the savings from an unknown and unproven Medicaid makeover to fund these services and address the waiting lists does nothing for the Kansans and their families who are waiting, and dying, TODAY! I want to know what specific steps you will take to assist the person who has been waiting for almost 3 years to receive services in the “least restrictive setting” (their home and community) as is their right.

There are over 5,000 Kansans on the Waiting Lists currently, any plan to reform Medicaid and create a cost savings should first address this issue. It’s well documented that people with disabilities on Home and Community Based Services receive them at substantially less cost than if they are forced to enter a nursing facility.

I am writing to encourage you to address the growing waiting list and requesting that a plan is created and implemented to accomplish this. Please do the right thing to preserve the choice, independence, dignity, and lives of Kansans with disabilities.

Thank you,