The Senate and House approved their budget recommendations, sending to the Governor a budget that includes 500 Mental Retardation Waiver Program (MRWP) services, 175 Independent Care Waiver Programs (ICWP) slots and a 3% rate increase for providers of DD and ICWP supports!
 

Given the uncertainty of the economy, any additional funding for community supports is good news!

However, there are currently 5,542 people on the MRWP community waiting list with this list growing by over 1,000 people annually. There are also more than 129 individuals waiting for supports under the ICWP, and we know that there are thousands living right now in nursing homes and other facilities that could benefit from the ICWP support.

While we are thankful for the support given to these supports, the reality is that at the current level of funding, Georgia's waiting list will be more next year than today.

Here is how the funding for disability supports are itemized in the Fiscal Year 2009 budget:

Department of Community Health

Add 100 Independent Care Waiver Program (ICWP) slots for the Money Follows the Person Demonstration Grant to move qualified members from institutions to the community.

State $1,426,730        Total $3,978,612

Provide funds for 75 slots in the ICWP program to address the community waiting list.

State  $1,173,644       Total $3,272,850

Provide funds for a 3% rate increase for ICWP personal supports.

State   $355,598         Total   $991,630

Department of Human Resources

Fund 500 Mental Retardation Waiver Program (MRWP) services for consumers on the waiting list.

State $6,248,458       Total $15,621,145

Provide funds for a 3% rate increase for MRWP supports.

State   $863,724         Total   $863,724