Most families do not use all of the developmental therapy or other services allowed in their children's plans because there currently is a lack of providers. Although 30 hours per week of DD therapy may be written into a plan, the average actual use is only 12 hours per week. Rather than reducing hours, the department should focus on helping children access the hours they currently need. Medicaid services provide critical therapies for children to learn to walk, eat, talk, socialize, and develop life skills. Time spent in developmental, speech, or occupational therapy is NOT baby-sitting.
Children receive training and support to become as independent as possible in their communities.
With tighter controls imposed on community-based services, children with disabilities may be forced to access services in more restrictive, institutional settings. Children will have to be re-taught skills in their typical environment. Idaho families currently are helping to cut Medicaid costs. Private insurance is always billed first and Medicaid last. Nationally, as other states have implemented managed care systems for their Medicaid programs, many issues have become apparent.