One of my passions is finding ways to make a difference for people who are on waiting lists for essential services. In certain places, like Kansas, more than 5,100 people with IDD are waiting up to nearly ten years to access waiver services.
I am a believer that managed care organizations can play a crucial role in supporting people on the waiting list to fully participate, contribute, thrive, and live in their communities of choice. It's not the only solution, but it's an important part of a larger approach that includes advocacy and policy changes.
I am fortunate to work for an organization, CareSource, that sees the importance it can play in offering better supports to those waiting for services. We recognize that we can't do this critical work alone, but instead we must collaborate with organizations, advocacy groups, and stakeholders embedded in these communities. For example, CareSource recently announced a $25,000 donation to the Kansas ABLE Savings Program. This donation bolsters the Kansas State Treasurer’s Office’s efforts to improve awareness of ABLE's resources for people on the waiting list. ABLE accounts offer a way for people to save beyond the $2,000 asset limit without risking their Medicaid or SSI eligibility. As advocacy efforts continue to reduce or eliminate waiting lists, ABLE accounts offer a unique solution for people while waiting for services while not penalizing them for saving money. There are only so many flat-screened TVs a person can purchase to spend down their money.
So, in the end, the driving force is a commitment to making a positive impact on people's lives. Being on a waiting list for services does not minimize the need for services. We must hear their voices, understand their needs, and take action to bring about real change.
We're committed to supporting individuals with disabilities on their journeys to financial empowerment, that’s why we’re excited to announce our $25,000 contribution to the Kansas ABLE Savings Program! Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities 🌟 This donation will help break down barriers and foster empowerment in Kansas's individuals with developmental disabilities (IDD) communities. https://bit.ly/48VzLC8
CareSource pledges to support Kansas ABLE Savings Program - CareSource
Multi-speciality Intensive Care Nurse with a strong background in research design, data analytics, and information technology
1moAbsolutely fantastic! I hope a portion of this goes into providing education for bedside nursing on caring for those with IDD, similar to how nurses are now trained in geriatric specific care or veteran specific care. I have no doubt that we will see a large influx of older adults with IDD coming to the facility for care as their caregivers start to age. This was a wonderful contribution that makes URMC poised to be a leader in IDD care these coming years. Very exciting news!