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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 1, 2011
                    CONTACT:
Melanie Mowry Etters
Communications Director
(850) 488-4257

APD Clarifies Companion Service Rates

TALLAHASSEE - he Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is adjusting the rates it pays providers of companion service beginning August 1. The rates have been collapsed into one solo provider rate of $1.68 per quarter hour for serving one or two individuals. Providers serving three individuals will continue to receive $1.39 per quarter hour as they did prior to August 1. There is also an agency and geographic differential rate. To review the new rates, visit APDcares.org.

Companion services involve non-medical care, supervision, and socialization activities. This service provides access to community activities when there are no other unpaid sources of support available. The activities that are provided should result in an individual’s increased ability to access services in the future without using paid support. A companion provider may assist individuals in learning to use the library, helping to organize volunteer opportunities for people, and providing assistance with specific tasks such as help with light housekeeping.

The Florida Legislature has mandated that APD bring its Medicaid waiver expenditures within its appropriation. The Legislature approved $810 million for the Home and Community-based Services (HCBS) waiver for the 2011-12 state fiscal year that began on July 1. APD customers received $930 million worth of services during the 2010-11 fiscal year.

For more information on the agency, call 1-866-APD-CARES or visit APDcares.org.