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M. Rasbold-Gabbard posted on June 02, 2011 15:41 Download this fact sheet as a PDF. Senate debate having come to a close, we look forward to the next step in the budget process: the conference committee that will resolve the differences between the House and Senate budgets. With that in mind, the disability community has been reflecting on the progress in both chambers over the past two months: In the House, representatives demonstrated support for disability services by recommending: - A $1M increase over the Governor’s budget for Day/Employment programs for total funding of $124M
- A $9M increase over the Governor’s budget for Family Support/Respite programs for total funding of $41M
- A $500,000 increase over the Governor’s budget for the DDS Autism Division for total funding of $4.6M
- $6.5M for the DESE/DDS Residential Placement Prevention Program and language in 7061-0012 that reserves those funds for the program
We also received considerable support in the Senate, which recommended: - an additional $4M to fund Day Habilitation programs through MassHealth, with the chance of greater funding through a supplemental budget or reallocation from other MassHealth accounts
- $6.5M for the DESE/DDS Residential Placement Prevention Program—the same amount recommended by the House
Now we ask that the conference committee work together to fund critical DDS and MassHealth services. In light of the effective decrease in funding over the past five years, the restoration of funds will not constitute a boon to these programs. Rather it will provide sufficient funding for these programs to serve only a portion of worthy and eligible individuals and families. Requests are outlined below, followed by a chart of funding levels and a description of each program. - funding for Family Support/Respite programs at the House level of $41M (House Position)
- funding for Day/Employment services at $124,267,971 (House Position)
Conference Committee Ways and Means Request
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Line Item
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Description
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FY11
Final
(incl. FMAP)
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FY12
Governor's
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FY12
House
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FY12
Senate
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Request/Need for
FY12
Conference
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DDS
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5911-1103
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DDS Service Coordination, Admin
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60,149,556
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60,672,283
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60,672,283
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57,613,847
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60,672,283
HOUSE
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5920-2010
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State Operated Community
Supports
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$147,458,806
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$164,790,661
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$164,790,661
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$164,194,179
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$164,790,661
HOUSE
|
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5920-2025
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Day/Employment Programs
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$123,267,971
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$123,267,971
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$124,267,971
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$123,267,971
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$124,267,971
HOUSE
|
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5920-3000
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Respite/Family Support
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$46,521,184
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$32,592,372
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$41,004,298
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$32,592,372
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$41,004,298
HOUSE
|
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5920-3010
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Autism Division
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$4,128,480
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$4,134,808
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$4,621,177
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$4,134,809
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$4,621,177
HOUSE
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Non DDS
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4000-0700
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MassHealth Day Habilitation/
Adult Family Care/Day Health
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$2,026,206,633.00
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$2,026,206,633
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$2,030,206,633
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$2,030,206,633
SENATE
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THE PROGRAMS The different line items for DDS and MassHealth serve different constituents based on need and family circumstances. Together they comprise a safety net. Highly valued by the federal government, Massachusetts receives 50% federal FMAP reimbursement for almost all of these services. - The Day/Employment account is utilized by adults who continue to live at home or transitioned through Community First. For those at home, services funded through this line are the main supports an adult receives from the state. It typically gives parents a break for the day or allows them to work. An additional $1.7 million is needed for FY’11 Turning 22 students.
- Family Support/Respite services are for adults and children. In recent years most children have lost use of this program due to cuts. For those with loved ones at home it is an essential support and very cost-effective. In addition to respite or in-home assistance, staff at family support centers provide training, help with planning and give referrals for community resources that can complement public services. Thousands of people are at risk of losing family support services and day supports this year. A reduction of more than 30% on top of the $10 million cut in 2010 mean that families who have an adult son or daughter living at home or those with children who need assistance will have little if any help.
- Implementing Community First: Day Habilitation programs provide a valuable day activity for individuals with significant health and behavioral challenges. The Senate provides an additional $4 million to address rate stabilization of existing programs, and directs Mass Health and the Governor to provide a 60 notice to the General Court if a fund deficiency becomes evident for both Day Habilitation and Adult Foster Care programs.
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