2021-22 Session Legislative Agenda

In the aggregate, FY20 was another year of continued services while dealing with a public health crisis and civil unrest, celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and transitioned individuals into the community. In fact, the Network helped transition 216 people through the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program. That number was a 142% of the original goal. Nursing Home Transition (NHT)-state funds 191 persons at 111% of the goal. It is also gratifying to know the Network served over 2400 individuals, developed a 3-year IL state plan and facilitated numerous presentations.

The reduced funding to the Independent Living Network is shocking. Our CIL Networks are facing devastating cuts because the line items they advocated and were awarded through legislation budget approval some years ago are part of these cuts.

*Chart Denotes State Allocated Cuts

These significant cuts will potentially eliminate jobs and limit our ability to fulfil the increased requests for services to the disability community that have become more isolated from wanted and needed services and resources during these unprecedented times. What is truly needed is not only full restoration of reduced funds, but an increase in state funds. The increase will help strengthen the existing Network and help assist in reaching the disability community in underserved counties. 

At the grassroots level, we have always been better-equipped to champion and support individuals with disabilities. Restoring the cuts will help us keep our heads above water, help us to provide necessary supports statewide. Please consider what is at stake in a population that is already compromised and marginalized. The ramifications that will be realized from theses budget cuts will affect Georgians with disabilities for years to come.  

Immediate and full restoration of this reduced funding is the best long term solution for all involved. The Network will be responsible for reassigning the funds in accordance to the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). 

*State funds does not include required state match to federal funds. 

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Modernization of the Georgia’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (GMWD) Buy-In Program 

OVERVIEW : Georgia Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (GMWD) provides new options for people with disabilities who are working the opportunity to buy health care through Georgia Medicaid. GMWD offers Medicaid coverage to working age people who have a disability that is permanent but stable and have a desire to return to work.

GMWD establishes a public policy that encourages work. Many people with disabilities can work at least part time, earn money and pay taxes. Generally, people are healthier – both physically and mentally – when they have meaningful, productive lives. An equally important but often overlooked benefit is that a GMWD program can allow people to save money. GMWD will exempt Medical Savings Accounts and approved Independence Accounts to enable an individual to save for adaptive equipment such as a lift-equipped vehicle or overhead lift system.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES TO MODERNIZING THE GMWD BUY-IN PROGRAM : The main advantage is that our public policy should incentivize working and saving to the greatest extent possible. Secondly, there is considerable evidence that working decreases health care expenditures. A 10 year study of Working Healthy Kansas, the name of the Buy- In program in that state, revealed that participants’ medical costs were 66% less than for non-working Medicaid beneficiaries. In some instances, workers who are full time may be included in an employer health plan which would further reduce Medicaid outlays. Thirdly, as people earn more, they purchase more goods and services thereby stimulating the economy and paying more taxes. Finally, there is dignity in work and in paying a reasonable insurance premium!

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS : To qualify for GMWD, an individual must meet all of the following criteria –

• Have a disability that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability
• Be employed (either wage or self- employment) and receiving compensation from that employment
• Be a Georgia resident
• Be at least 16 years of age, but less than age 65
• Have countable income* less than 350 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
• Have resources less than $10,000 for an individual, $15,000 for a couple

*When determining an individual’s countable income, the state Medicaid agency begins by looking at money received from work, benefits, and other sources. The first $20 of unearned income (SSDI, VA benefits etc.) is excluded. Next they look at gross earnings from employment. If the individual does not have unearned income the first $20 of the gross earned income is excluded. Then $65 of earnings are excluded and finally half of the remaining earnings is excluded. The result is the countable income amount, which is used to determine eligibility for GMWD. Unlike other Medicaid groups, resources do not include certain retirement accounts such as a 401(k), 403(b)

PREMIUM COSTS: GMWD participants may be required to pay a monthly premium ranging from $0-$150. Premium amount is based on the individual’s age and total countable income.

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FAQ Regarding Reinstatement of Funding for Home Modifications in DCA’s Home Access Program

What is the Home Access Program?

The HAP provides funding assistance to low-income individuals with disabling mobility and sensory impairments to retrofit their homes so that they can safely enter, navigate, and exit their homes. On average, the Home Access Program invests $8,000 per person on services such as installing sturdy hand rails on porches, wheelchair ramps, wider bathroom doors, grab bars affixed in showers and around toilets and sensory devices.

What is the issue?

FY18, $100,000 was reinstated to the program. With that amount, the Centers for Independent Living assisted 18 individuals. FY19, the Home Access funds were increased to $200,000. With this amount, we hope to double the amount of people that the CIL’s can assist.

What is needed?

Annual new funds from DCA for the program is urgently needed. An infusion of $500,000 minimum per year is needed at this time. With DCA’s historical average home modification costs of $8,000 per person, at least 62 people per year could receive this vital service.

Why is it needed?

The Centers have a long and successful history of utilizing community resources to provide these modifications to a small number of consumers. With the addition of state funding, the Centers will be able to increase the number of consumers served across the state with this vital service.

The longer people wait for such services, the more likely they are to risk injury from a fall, sometimes resulting in hospitalization or nursing facility placement. As the population ages, there are more and more requests for home modifications because of an increase in mobility and sensory impairments. The Home Access Program is a wise investment in the prevention of more costly services.

What are the advantages of permanent reinstating the funds?

With an appropriate modification to the existing home, many people are able to stay in (or return to) their own home after rehab, an accident, or other disabling event. This saves families and individuals considerable anguish and saves the State of Georgia considerable expense when nursing facility placement is avoided.

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