…but I never really knew just how much until now. For a few years, I have talked about Florida Medicaid waiver funding and specifically how Florida ranks 50th out of the nation in funding for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I complain and fuss about how ashamed I am that these special people aren’t [...]

You ever have those epiphany moments when things just suddenly become clear?  I hate to sound like a broken record on the state of the Medicaid waiver system in Florida.  I guess it comes up every time the Florida legislature goes into session.  I’ve talked about it here, here and here as well as several other [...]

The following piece is adapted from the Florida Association for Rehabilitative Facilities (ARF) Medicaid Waiver cuts white paper for the developmentally disabled.  It gives a bleak but accurate picture of the cuts seen within the system over the past seven years.

In July 2003, the State of Florida Agency for Person’s with Disabilities (APD) adopted a [...]

I had a parent of an ARC Marion client leave my office a few minutes ago, and because she’s also a friend, I told her that her story was “blog worthy.” (in my opinion of course)  Here’s what she’s dealing with right now.
Her son, who has Down syndrome, is nearly 26-years-old.  When he turned 18, [...]

The Florida legislature just went into session last week, and there are already very pertinent pieces of legislation pending that could greatly affect the citizens ARC Marion serves and the developmentally disabled across our state.  In fact, in the next 14 days, the Senate and House Appropriations Committees are considering two options to further reduce funding [...]

…A question so appropriately asked recently by one of the ARC program directors.  With tears in her eyes she continued, “For all these years we’ve been telling our folks that they could make choices.  If they want to attend ADT (adult day training) today, they can.  If they want to go out on enclave (a [...]

Allow me to step back on my soapbox for a few days. 
Want to know how the Medicaid waiver works for the developmentally disabled in Florida?  This year, it goes something like this.  If you aren’t already on the waiting list, apply.  Get your name on the list and sit there for the next seven years [...]

The fact remains, there are certain people groups who frankly need assistance from the government.  As much as I hate to admit it sometimes from the political standpoint, without government assistance and intervention for certain folks, like those with developmental disabilities, they just wouldn’t receive the care and training they need.
However, just as we as [...]

I’m officially hot and bothered!  The Florida legislature has gone to great heights to get me to this level, and I just really can’t believe what I’m reading in the press day in and day out about their most recent special session. 
I’ve mentioned in this blog before the fact that the state of Florida ranks [...]

I know there is a great need for information about the Medicaid Waiver, because it can be confusing and daunting to anyone just starting the process.  While I am aware that Medicaid Waiver systems are basically in place all across the country, (see map ) the state of Florida is different than most others and is unique.  We are [...]