Waiver > Changes Due to Law

• Governor Crist HAD to sign SB 1124, because the Legislature inserted proviso language in the APD budget requiring the passage of SB 1124 into law before APD's funding for FY 2007 could be released.



• The agency recognizes that changes in the waivers required by SB 1124 will impact all stakeholders. These adjustments are necessary to address the deficit so that APD can begin serving people waiting for services.



• Failure of an agency to operate within its budget is against the law. For many years, APD's waiver programs have offered a wide range of services to individuals with developmental disabilities. The growing cost of services has caused the agency to experience its budget deficit.



• APD does not believe that any of the adjustments in waiver services required by SB 1124 will cause someone to be institutionalized. There are safeguards in place to ensure that all needed basic supports will be provided to anyone currently receiving waiver services.



• While some individuals may experience a reduction in service hours, there may be alternate services available to assist them. This may include services through the waiver, as well as through natural/community supports and other state/federally funded programs.



• The 15,000 individuals on the waiting list are receiving little or no services and therefore are at a far higher risk of institutionalization than those currently receiving services. Until APD's budget deficit is addressed, the agency will not be able to offer those individuals any hope of receiving services.



• Medicaid waivers are not entitlement programs like Medicaid state plan. Waivers are designed to provide a limited and less expensive community based alternative to institutional care. Compared with other states, Florida's DD Waiver is very comprehensive and provides a very generous selection of services.