Oklahoma providers, patients fear rate cuts will close off health services

Jessicia Smith, quality assurance director at Santa Fe Place, said the cuts alone won’t force them to close, but they could jeopardize the facility’s ability to meet all the state’s standards for staffing, medical screenings and community involvement.

“The standards aren’t changing along with the budget,” she said. “They’re going to have to cut back on the standards if they’re not going to give us the money.”

Read More: http://newsok.com/article/5571559?utm_source=NewsOKcom&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=NICTwitter

ACLU of Oklahoma calls on DHS to rescind letter notifying termination of services

OKLAHOMA CITY — The American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma and Oklahoma Disability Law Center are calling on the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to rescind a letter notifying citizens of a termination in services.

A letter was sent out saying the Adult In-home Support Waiver will no longer be available starting Dec. 1, which will affect more than 20,000 Oklahomans and comes as a result of budget cuts in the state.

Read More: http://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/aclu-of-oklahoma-calls-on-dhs-to-rescind-letter-notifying-termination-of-services

‘Cutting the most vulnerable’ – DHS budget cuts two programs completely, one reduced

As the Oklahoma government continues to search for money to make ends meet, several services through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) are being cut completely and some greatly reduced. The Developmental Disabilities Services received three of the cuts, The Adult Day service and In-Home support waiver were both cut and will end on Dec. 1, and its vocational services have been reduced.

Read More: http://www.duncanbanner.com/news/cutting-the-most-vulnerable-dhs-budget-cuts-two-programs-completely/article_39e82cc2-c036-11e7-b150-13abd10e1aac.html

State Budget Cuts Put Oklahomans With Disabilities at Risk of Institutionalization

State Budget Cuts Put Oklahomans With Disabilities at Risk of Institutionalization

November 2, 2017, Oklahoma Disability Law Center (ODLC)
http://okdlc.org/?p=498

The Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc. (ODLC) is deeply concerned that the elimination of two Oklahoma Home and Community Based Waiver Programs are putting thousands of Oklahomans with disabilities at imminent risk of institutionalization. Elimination of these services will harm Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens and literally put lives at risk.

Termination of service notices were mailed out to more than 22,000 Oklahomans who rely on services from the In-Home Support Waiver for Adults or the ADvantage Waiver to provide the daily supports necessary to allow them to remain safely in their homes. Without these needed supports, many will be forced into nursing homes or intermediate care facilities for people with intellectual disabilities (ICF/IDD). Notices informed recipients their services will be terminated effective December 1, 2017.

ODLC is currently evaluating options for those impacted by the elimination of these services. If you or your family member is currently on the In-Home Support Wavier for Adults, ODLC encourages you to review the criteria for emergency placement on the Community Waiver (see below). If after carefully reviewing the emergency criteria you believe you or your family member might meet the requirements, please contact our office (800)880-7755 for further evaluation of your situation.

Criteria for emergency placement – OAC 317:40-1-1(f)(1)

ODLC is aware DHS announced cuts to additional services, we will post updates as more information becomes available. We understand this is a scary situation for many, if you have questions feel free to call our office. (800)880-7755

Parents of developmentally disabled children wait more than decade to receive help

by Melissa Howell -NewsOK

According to the 2016 Oklahoma Department of Human Services annual report, 5,560 people with developmental disabilities receive home and community-based services through the Medicaid waiver program, but 7,500 remain on a waiting list.

Read more: http://newsok.com/parents-of-developmentally-disabled-children-wait-more-than-decade-to-receive-help/article/5553903