The West Virginia Department of Health and
Human Resources, Bureau for Medical Services (BMS), has posted for public
comment a draft five-year renewal application for the Intellectual
Developmental Disabilities Waiver (IDDW).
The IDDW provides community-based services to people who have
intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who would otherwise qualify for
placement in an institutional setting.
In 2014, the IDDW covered 4,534 individuals for
a total expenditure of $385 million, with the average cost per member of
$85,000. West Virginia appropriates $89
million a year from state general revenue funds for the IDDW program. For the last three years, the state spent
more than $41 million in state dollars over its allotted budget. Since FY 2010, the amount spent for IDDW has
increased by more than $110 million.
“The proposed changes to the IDD Waiver are
intended to help the program operate within its budget and allow the program to
serve more beneficiaries. Currently, there are more than one thousand West
Virginians on the waiting list for these services,” said Jeremiah Samples, DHHR
Deputy Secretary of Public Health and Insurance. “By making adjustments, we
believe that we will be able to assist more state residents who qualify for
these services.”
When considering modifications to the waiver,
BMS compared other states’ IDD benefits to West Virginia’s waiver services. West
Virginia’s IDD Waiver in total is more generous compared to other states. West Virginia is only one of a few states
that pays parents to care for their children under the IDDW program.
The proposals in the draft waiver were made
to align West Virginia with surrounding states, control spending and provide
the opportunity for more people to receive IDDW services. The IDD Waiver program was never intended to support
the family financially; it is based on the assumption that natural supports,
such as family and friends, would provide some services without being paid for them.
“I encourage anyone with any questions or
concerns to read the application and provide a detailed comment during the 30
day period,” said Cynthia Beane, Acting Commissioner for the Bureau for Medical
Services. “It’s very important for us to
hear from the public as the comments received will be taken into consideration
when the final recommendations are made.”
To view a copy of the draft IDDW application,
visit www.dhhr.wv.gov/bms. The public comment period ends at 5:00 p.m.
on April 24, 2015.
To submit a comment, please email IDDWComment@wv.gov or mail to the WV
Bureau for Medical Services, HCBS Unit, 350 Capitol Street, Room 251,
Charleston, WV 25301.
Media Contact: Allison Adler, Director of Communications - DHHR, allison.c.adler@wv.gov or (304) 558-7899