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Action Alert from the Arc: FMAP extension failed

July 2nd, 2010

By The Arc

The cloture vote for the U.S. Senate bill containing the 6-month FMAP extension failed yesterday.  The vote was 57-41 (60 votes were needed).  Both Senator Warner and Senator Webb voted in support of the FMAP extension. Without the enactment of the FMAP extension, the following state cuts will go into effect:

* 250 new ID Waivers for individuals/families on the ID Waiver waiting list will be eliminated. These Waivers would have been made available on 7/1/10.
* There will be 5% cut in all Waiver reimbursement rates, affecting all HCBS Waiver services (except skilled nursing in the Tech Waiver)-including residential, day support, employment, personal care, skilled nursing, companion and respite supports. This cut will take effect 7/1/10. A DMAS memo has already been sent to providers about the cut.

* Respite services for all HCBS Waivers will be reduced from 720 hours/year to 240 hours/year (a 2/3 cut in services) beginning 1/1/11.
* Medicaid podiatry services will be eliminated, beginning 7/1/11.
* Medicaid optometry services will be eliminated, beginning 1/1/11.
* Environmental modification and assistive technology limits will be reduced from $5,000 per year to $3,000 per year, beginning 1/1/11.

So, what do we do now?

We mobilize in preparation for the next round of budget decisions here in Virginia.  Major advocacy efforts will be needed to protect these and other critical community-based services and supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families.  

Are you impacted by one of the cuts listed above?

Are you on a waiting list for Waiver services?

Would you be willing to meet with your state legislator?

If you said yes to any of the above, please send us your personal story, including your name and address (so we can identify your elected officials). For  tips on how to get started writing your personal story, click here.  Personal stories can be sent via email to jliban@thearcofva.org or fax at 804-649-3585.