Make Your Voice Heard: Public Comment Opportunity

The Bureau of Disabilities Services, Division of Aging, and Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning has announced their intent to propose amendments to the Health and Wellness (H&W), PathWays, and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) waivers. These changes could have significant impacts on individuals and families relying on these critical services.

1. • H&W and TBI Waiver Amendments: DDRS Public Notice

   • PathWays Waiver Amendments: FSSA Public Notices

📢 Share your perspective.
Public comments on these amendments are being accepted from December 25, 2024 - January 24, 2025.

Your voice matters! All public comments submitted during the comment period will be carefully reviewed and addressed by OMPP. A summary of the feedback, including responses to any suggestions not adopted and details of changes made to the waiver based on public input, will be included in the updated version of the waiver. 

Changes Include:

• New assessment tools may inadvertently reduce tier levels for families caring for young children, impacting financial support and creating undue burdens.

• Reduction in waiver slots over the next few years could limit access to Medicaid for children with disabilities, creating a financial crisis for families already under stress.

Why Act Now?

Medicaid waivers often serve as the gateway to vital care for children and adults with disabilities. Fewer slots mean:

• Longer waitlists for individuals in urgent need.

• Increased financial strain on families left without Medicaid’s essential safety net.

• Fewer opportunities for medically complex and disabled individuals to thrive.

This is your chance to influence the process and protect vulnerable families.

How You Can Make an Impact

1. Submit a Public Comment

Share your experiences, concerns, and suggestions. Be specific about how these changes might affect your family or community.

Public comments are being accepted until January 24, 2025. You can:

1. • Highlight your concerns about slot reductions.

   • Suggest changes to improve waiver accessibility and fairness.

   • Advocate family-centered caregiving solutions.

   • Call for clear explanations of the new assessment tools.

2. Email Your Feedback: 

   • H&W or TBI Waiver Comments send to: DDRSwaivernoticecomment@fssa.in.gov 

     • Health and Wellness Waiver Amendment: 1915(c) HCBS Waiver: Draft IN.004.07.04

     • Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver Amendment: 1915(c) HCBS Waiver: Draft IN.002.05.04

   • PathWays Waiver Comments send to: INPathways@fssa.in.gov 

     • Pathways Waiver Amendment: 1915(c) HCBS Waiver: Draft IN.018.00.02 

3. Make Your Comments Count

Not sure what to say?  Read how you can Write Effective Comments HERE 

4. Stay Informed and Raise Awareness
   Encourage others to join this effort. Every voice counts, and the more we stand together, the greater our impact.

Your input can shape policies to ensure they meet the needs of those who depend on Medicaid services.
Speak up before the January 24 deadline!