The Arc of Indiana Blog

Indiana’s economic situation is forcing new budget realities for the state. While federal stimulus dollars have provided some short-term breathing room, there is no denying the economy is driving the discussion on how Indiana will use its financial resources in a new state budget.

In this era of person-centered planning and individual Medicaid waiver budgets, there are competing interests. On one hand, there is the individual and his or her goals, needs and dreams.  On the other hand, there is the “greater good” to thousands of people who are waiting for services.  With nearly 14,000 people on or targeted for the DD, Autism, and Support Services Medicaid waivers; nearly 3,800 people in group homes and approximately 1,500 people funded with state dollars, there are nearly 20,000 people in services.  There are nearly that many on the official waiting list, and an unknown number that do not even know they should be on the waiting list.

What does fairness mean to each of these individuals and their families? To those waiting it is when is  my chance; to those in services it is how can I get or keep getting what I need.   In many cases families and people with disabilities share the same concern – they do not trust the state to take care of them, or keep taking care of them.

Looking at things from the provider side of the equation, providers are facing an ever more fragile economic situation themselves.  It is difficult to keep good staff, health insurance costs continue to rise and administrative requirements of the state and federal government are driving costs up.

… And all of this is happening at a time when Indiana faces the biggest loss of revenue since the early ’80s.

So, what does The Arc, families, self-advocates, providers, state officials, and legislators do? There are no simple solutions or easy answers.

Every individual budget has to be looked at by families and consumers to make sure   resources are used wisely. For those living alone who need roommates a rational and compassionate way needs to be found to share costs.  A way needs to be found to move from a culture of getting everything you can now, because it may not be here tomorrow – to a culture of using only what you truly need.

For those waiting, new ways must be found to bring people off waiting lists.  One approach is to look at how a different array of services can support people in ways that allow funds to go further, allowing more people to receive supports; and natural, community-based supports need to be developed throughout the state.  Another approach would be to provide people waiting for a Medicaid waiver with an annual amount of $3500 for respite and or minimal supports.

There is no doubt that creativity and new ideas are needed in these difficult economic times.  The Arc is committed to finding ways to meet people’s needs, develop a stable provider base, and ensure an affordable, quality system of home and community-based services.

As this special session of the Indiana General Assembly moves forward, The Arc of Indiana will be looking for new ideas from families, self-advocates and leaders from the disability community throughout Indiana and the country.  I am hopeful that we will find the right path to address these new realities, with your help.