LRS comments on proposed rules to implement DODD's "capped" SELF waiver

The Ohio Legal Rights Service (LRS) provided comments to the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) on proposed rules to implement the Self-Empowered Life Funding (SELF) waiver.  

LRS stated it supports DODD's efforts to support a self-directed waiver program, but vigorously opposes the individual cap of $25,000 for children and $40,000 for adults. LRS questioned exactly where the SELF waiver fits within DODD’s overall community integration plans, pointing out that the Individual Options (IO) waiver continues to be a vehicle that provides significant "uncapped" assistance to individuals at a reasonable cost when compared to institutional settings.

LRS went on to state that, while a capped waiver is preferred to institutionalization, an individual cap on home and community-based services is neither necessary nor recommended as Ohio has yet to fully rebalance the DD system. A key component of any rebalancing effort is the investment of appropriate resources into home and community-based waiver services, including to continue to support and offer uncapped waivers to individual who require such services.

LRS recommended that DODD maintain its commitment to offering the IO waiver and to increase its enrollment to new consumers.

LRS also urged DODD to take steps to ensure that the SELF waiver is not simply a mechanism to refinance those already on the IO waiver and, instead, is an expansion of the slots available for those currently waiting for community services.

Read LRS' comments: LRS comments on Self-Empowered Life Funding (SELF) waiver (PDF file)

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