People with Disabilities in Michigan want a Long Term Care System that Includes an Array of Person Centered Services, Programs and Supports.

Summary: People with disabilities and those who are aging want to have access to community-based services that they can rely on so they can live independently in the community and avoid needless placement into nursing homes. Those community based services should be directed by the individuals wants and needs and allow for the funding to ‘follow the person’. Adequate funding for nursing home diversions and transitions, as well as access to Aging and Disability Resource Centers, is needed.

Policy & Funding Recommendations:

·  Make Michigan a NO WAIT STATE: Ensure adequate funding to eliminate waiting list for MI Choice Waiver & increase non-Medicaid In-Home Supports Funding;

·  Increase funding for DHS Adult Service Home Help Program and streamline the intake process.

·  Support implementation of the Community First Choice Option (1915(k) Waiver) to expand community living supports.

Community-Based Living Saves the State Money:

The joint efforts of CILs and Home and Community Based Waiver Agents support moving people out of nursing homes, and prevent unnecessary placement into nursing homes. These joint efforts save the State of Michigan money (details below).

Details / Costs / # of People / Total Costs
Average Cost of Nursing Facility
(Source: Penny Rutledge, MDCH) / $5,220.09 a month*
0r $63,520.95 year / 1,600 transitioned from nursing homes / $101,633,520.00
Average Cost of Home and Community Based Services. (MI Choice Waiver) / $ 2,403.91 a month
Or $28,846.92/year* / 1,092 utilized the MI Choice Waiver / $31,500,832.64
Total Statewide Cost Savings / $70,132,687.36

Closing:

Michigan’s Centers for Independent Living encourage our Legislature to support a variety of home and community based living options that supports people with disabilities to remain independent and for Michigan’s citizens to age in place.