Ask to provide affordable home and community-based services without a federal Medicaid waiver to cut bureaucracy and time delays in getting the program implemented. Continue to assure Ohio s compliance with ADA and responsiveness to HCFA to allow consumers to choose the most integrated setting for services. Seek federal approval for more flexibility to adopt market strategies for working with service providers by doing such things as competitive rate setting. Seek new ways to address the housing needs of low-income persons with disabilities, including those who wish to leave institutions. Address the health care workforce shortage.
Forecast is for the situation to continue and worsen.
Enhance workforce development initiatives by creating public-private work groups to address the shortage in the health care. Conduct a labor market analysis for each group of health care professionals. Study wage and rate issues to improve consistency across state-funded programs. Align the need for health care and community services workers with Ohio s technical and vocational preparation programs. Work with Ohio nursing programs to increase enrollment and retention.