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Talking Points for Waiver Support Coordinators
- The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is committed to protecting the health and safety of the people it serves by helping them receive the services they need. The agency is preparing to implement the legislatively-mandated provider rate cut of $43.5 million on July 1. In addition, APD will be implementing the four tier waivers this summer. We want families and waiver support coordinators to be aware of options if service providers decide not to continue doing business as waiver providers and to encourage individuals and families to develop contingency plans in the event they are needed.
- APD wants accurate information to be available to its customers. As Waiver Support Coordinators you are the first line of communication with the people we both serve. It is imperative that factual information be provided to customers and their families. Your role is to allay fears from unfounded rumors. You should make sure that communication with families is open, honest, and constructive.
- Support coordinators have been provided with information about the impact that the tier assignments and rate reductions will have on the people they serve. This information should be used to assist families in developing contingency plans should their providers decide not to continue as Medicaid waiver providers.
- Individuals and families should work with their support coordinators to inform them of changes in provider status. Any information about changes should be conveyed directly to the area office.
- Support coordinators should direct families to the APD Web site—www.APDCares.org—for the most current information regarding the impact of the budget reductions. Families can find specific group home vacancy information for the various APD areas, service specific information, and Frequently Asked Questions. The Web site also contains important information about planning resources and will be updated when new information becomes available.
- Support coordinators should begin to assist individuals and families in locating services that are available in their local communities – the YMCA, parks and recreation, etc—and should refer potentially eligible individuals to programs and agencies such as Vocational Rehabilitation, the school system, and the Department of Elder Affairs, etc.
- The Family Care Council of Florida is committed to providing families with information from a family perspective. The FCC/F maintains a toll free information line and has members available who can speak to you in both English and Spanish. The toll free number is 1-800-470-8101.
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