Proposed changes to Medicaid waivers would end certain payments to caretakers

Payments would end for parent or guardian care givers

INDIANAPOLIS — The state of Indiana has proposed to change Medicaid waivers or home and community-based services.

Some children or adults require around-the-clock care because of a disability.

This week, the Family and Social Services Administration proposed ending payments to parents, spouses or legal guardians getting paid to take care of their disabled loved ones.

In Dec., the state announced a nearly $1 billion budget shortfall for Medicaid health coverage and waiver services.

The ARC Indiana says part of that shortfall was from unexpectedly high enrollment and utilization of aged and disabled waiver services.

 Paying families is necessary due to frequent doctor visits, therapy and care. People on the program average $13 to 15 an hour, according to the ARC Indiana.

Eric Deitchman, with Tendercare Home Health Services, says other caretakers could still qualify for the waivers, but not those considered a spouse, parent or legal guardian.

“No more parent caregivers. Nobody who is legally responsible for the individual can provide care for their family member,” Deitchman said.

Instead, parents, spouses or legal guardians will be placed in a "family structured" program that will result in a daily payment of around $35.

Eric Deitchman, with Tendercare Home Health Services, says other caretakers could still qualify for the waivers, but not those considered a spouse, parent or legal guardian.

“No more parent caregivers. Nobody who is legally responsible for the individual can provide care for their family member,” Deitchman said.

Instead, parents, spouses or legal guardians will be placed in a "family structured" program that will result in a daily payment of around $35.

Eric Deitchman, with Tendercare Home Health Services, says other caretakers could still qualify for the waivers, but not those considered a spouse, parent or legal guardian.

“No more parent caregivers. Nobody who is legally responsible for the individual can provide care for their family member,” Deitchman said.

Instead, parents, spouses or legal guardians will be placed in a "family structured" program that will result in a daily payment of around $35.

Eric Deitchman, with Tendercare Home Health Services, says other caretakers could still qualify for the waivers, but not those considered a spouse, parent or legal guardian.

“No more parent caregivers. Nobody who is legally responsible for the individual can provide care for their family member,” Deitchman said.

Instead, parents, spouses or legal guardians will be placed in a "family structured" program that will result in a daily payment of around $35.