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.
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