Q1. WI has a full self-direction option (called IRIS) that has been chosen by nearly 14,000 LTSS participants: nearly half of those are people with I/DD. One of our remaining legacy counties (Dane where Madison, WI is located) uses full self-direction as well, and 95% of participants choose it, so that’s an additional 2,000 individuals. Our state  uses a shared decision-making model so families and others who are close to the individual are heavily involved. As a result, it includes many of the individuals who have the most complex care needs. Participant satisfaction is very high, because people can choose their own supports and workers. They do not need to use an agency. This is especially useful in rural areas where the caregiver crisis is most acute. Based on consumer feedback, the self-direction option is rated higher in satisfaction that our traditional managed care option. We are just beginning full participation in NCI, so I can’t provide comparisons around NCI indicators between managed care and the full self-directed option, but that’s a good question to ask.

 

Best wishes,

Beth Swedeen,

Executive Director

WI BPDD

(608) 266-1166

xxxxxx@wisconsin.gov

 

 

Good Afternoon

 

Q1: I know we’ve fielded questions about his before, but things change so quickly. If your state offers self-directed DD services, how (well) does the program accommodate people who need more assistance with making decisions? If the program works well, I’d love to know why. How is access and quality as compared to a traditional service model?

 

Q2: I’m also wondering what other states are seeing in terms availability/use of of self pay services, especially adult services.

 

Thanks very much.

 

Rachel Dyer

Associate Director

 

 

Maine Developmental Disabilities Council

     - promoting full inclusion for people with developmental disabilities

225 Western Ave, Ste 4

Augusta, ME  04330

207-287-4221  800-244-3990

www.MaineDDC.org

xxxxxx@Maine.gov