Planned cuts to Medicaid will impact people with developmental disabilities in Faribault & Martin Counties

Monica* is in her thirties and has a diagnosis of a rare genetic syndrome, called CHARGE syndrome, that affects multiple parts of the body, including eyes, nose, ears, heart as well as growth and development. She has lesions on her left eye resulting in no vision and has limited vision in her right eye. She is deaf and has a moderate intellectual disability. She relies on sign language as her main form of communication. In addition to CHARGE Syndrome, she has several other health conditions and significant behavioral needs.

Due to her unique health and safety needs, Monica needs specialized residential care 24/7. The role of the county case manager is to help Monica, her guardian, and her family navigate resources to help meet her needs. With limited providers in Minnesota who can provide care for her specialized health and behavioral needs, it was very challenging to find the right services for Monica. These challenges were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic as the residential placement she called home for 15 years was closed, causing her behaviors to increase as her normal routine was disrupted. Her case manager worked collaboratively, coordinating eligible services with multiple providers to ensure Monica's continued to receive the care she needs in a new home. The DD waiver provided services that helped calm Monica's behaviors, including a Behavioral Analyst and Occupational Therapist who were able to develop unique services and training Monica's staff to allow them to handle her complex needs. Because of the Developmental Disabilities Wavier, Monica is thriving. She is fluently utilizing sign language daily to the point of being able to do songs in sign language, has minimal behaviors because of the structure, routine and consistency that is now provided to her through services she is eligible to receive from Medicaid. She is successfully working and is an active participant in her community. Monica has remained in her home and services in place have prevented a higher cost placement for her at this time.

Story shared with permission from client family. *The client's name has been changed to maintain confidentiality.

Jill* is in her early thirties and has a diagnosed developmental delay, on top of several additional life impacting chronic conditions, including uncontrollable diabetes, Addison's disease, and lung cancer. She receives services through the disabilities waiver as her care requires a significant number of support services to manage her health as she experiences unexplained pain daily among other medical complications. With the support of the DD waiver and her case manager, staff worked to help her fulfill her dream of securing her own apartment and set up services to allow her to live more independently and are more cost effective than she would have if living in a residential facility.

Story shared with permission from client family. *The client's name has been changed to maintain confidentiality.

Sam* has a muscle tone condition and depends on a wheelchair for mobility. Sam needed to manually propel her chair, and with her condition, caused her to tire out easily. This made normal daily activities challenging and outings nearly impossible, resulting in feeling socially isolated. Through the DD waiver, Sarah was able to obtain a power wheelchair that allows her to attend events with her family and friends. Her chair is lightweight and easy for her to control, allowing her to travel up to 12 miles before needing a charge. This has completely changed Sam's ability to socialize and has allowed her a sense of independence.

Story shared with permission from client family. *The client's name has been changed to maintain confidentiality.