I know an individual who is currently employed, receives Medicaid benefits, is on the 1619B Program and uses a home health care agency. Because of the lack of control over the attendant services that he receives, this individual is continuously late for work, has pressure sore problems which prevent him from being at work 8-5 everyday, and has an overall morale problem because of his lack of control over the attendant services that he receives. Fortunately, this gentleman has an understanding employer who has been in a similar situation and can relate to the everyday life problems that are faced by a lack of self-directed attendant care. MiCasa is an excellent example of self-directed attendant care and would greatly enhance the ability of people with disabilities to be independent and to give them the opportunity to go to work. I have never heard of an individual who is in a nursing home that is also employed.
Nursing homes are there for people with chronic or terminal illnesses.
Exceeding the FBR in a work environment will once again result in the loss of cash benefits. This is a disincentive to work that consistently exists. A person may be able to keep their Medicaid under 1619B, but may lose cash benefits that they have been relying on to survive. This is a frightening and confusing prospect for people with disabilities. In Missouri, Medicaid in not a bad program.