 |
 |
|
 |
||
Print 
Download Reader 
|
|
|
|
||
Print Download Reader
 |
||
News Release
HHS Approves Connecticut Plan to Allow Individuals With Disabilities to Direct Own CareHHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today approved a Connecticut demonstration plan to make it easier for individuals with disabilities to remain in their own homes by giving them greater control over a broad array of Medicaid services. The Connecticut waiver is the 10th program to be approved under HHS' new Independence Plus initiative, which makes it easier for consumers to retain more control of home and community-based services. "This Connecticut plan will allow people to play an essential role in deciding how to plan, obtain and sustain community-based services for themselves," Secretary Thompson said. "We committed to giving states greater flexibility in designing programs like this one to help persons with disabilities live fuller, more independent lives." The waiver will provide services that include personal care, supported employment, group day services, vehicle modification, transportation, specialized medical equipment, companion services and family training. Participating individuals will be able to select and direct their personal assistants as well as manage many other services for themselves. The state hopes to serve over 3,000 people in this demonstration. "Allowing persons with disabilities to engage in 'self-direction' is a high priority for the Bush Administration and this agency, " said Mark B. McClellan, M.D., PhD., administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the agency that oversees federal health insurance programs. "Self-direction is a proven approach to higher beneficiary satisfaction for the same or lower costs." As former governors, President Bush and Secretary Thompson have made it a priority to make it simpler for the states to submit Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Program waiver requests and to initiate new programs such as Independence Plus. Since January 2001, HHS has approved waivers and plan amendments that have expanded eligibility to more than 2.6 million people and enhanced benefits for more than six million people. ### Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news. Last revised: January 19, 2005 |
|
