CenterPoint
Summer 2017
In this issue:
1. From the Director
2. State Budget Update
3. Threat to Medicaid Funding
4. Happy 27th Anniversary of the ADA
5. Options PCA Program
6. Consumer Spotlight
7. Tech Closet News
8. Recreation
9. Act Now/Home Program
10. Success of Youth Conf. & W/C Wash
11. Heat Precautions
12. Wisloan/Telework Loan Programs
13. Support Groups Meeting at Options
14. For Sale
15. Staff/Board Directory
1.From the Director
By Thomas J. Diedrick, Executive Director
Systems Advocacy – Get Involved NOW
Both Wisconsin and the Federal Government (President and Congress) are working on budgets at this time. Both budgets could have significant impact on people with disabilities and those who are older.
Wisconsin’s 2017-19 budget issues are priority because the budget must be passed by June 30th, the end of the State’s fiscal year. By the time you receive this, it will be close to being finalized. As you hear and read about issues in the budget, it is critical you contact your State Representative and Senator and share with them how the proposed budget legislation will impact you directly. Time to act will be limited, so watch the status of the budget as details emerge.
At the Federal level, the House passed their version of the American Health Care Act (AHCA), which will repeal the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare). There are many concerns about eligibility in the AHCA, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions, along with the cost as you age. It also includes Medicaid cuts, and much more. The Senate is developing it’s own version of the AHCA. Now is the time to indicate your personal concerns to your Senator regarding healthcare coverage.
Regarding the President’s budget, there are extensive cuts to entitlement programs (especially Medicaid), housing, transportation, and more. The Federal Fiscal Year ends September 30, 2017. Congress will be working on this throughout the summer. We recommend you do not wait to be in touch with all your Federal Legislators. Let them know soon what issues impact you as they begin the Budget process, as a number of items / cuts / changes in the Federal Budget will have a direct affect on funding to the States.
You can read more about the State and Federal Budget on pages 2 and 3 of this newsletter. In addition, Options will be posting updates on our website and Facebook page. Options website is: and Facebook is:
2.2017-19 State Budget Update
Wisconsin’s Committee on Joint Finance has been deliberating the Governor’s budget. Many of the budget proposals approved by the Committee currently are long-standing priority issues for the disability community. Here are some of the items:
Approved funding for the elimination of the waiting list for the Children’s Long Term Support program for the 2,600 children in Wisconsin with significant disabilities in need of services. Wisconsin is set to become one of the first states in the nation to end waiting lists for both its children and adult long-term care programs.
Approved a 2% increase in each of the next two fiscal years for the Personal Care Program to address the shortage of direct care workers. It is the first increase to the personal care rate in nearly 10 years.
Approved beneficial changes to the Medical Assistance Purchase Plan (MAPP) to make it more effective as a work incentive program. MAPP allows individuals with disabilities to work and save money without losing access to Medicaid. The changes proposed in the budget also increase the medically needy income eligibility limit for the first time in decades. However, Joint Finance eliminated the three DHS positions that had been included in the Governor’s budget to help implement the new MAPP program requirements. This could be worrisome as DHS will need capacity to implement these new program requirements.
Approved funding to continue and expand the Dementia Care Specialist positions at Wisconsin’s ADRCs, from 19 to 24 positions. Also approved was $100,000 in funding for Alzheimer's research and an increase in personal care compensation.
Approved two Ombudsman positions for individuals on IRIS over the age of 60.
Our thanks to Joint Finance for approving the above. But their job is not done as deliberation continues on many items, such as transportation and education. Once Joint Finance completes the budget review and approval, it goes to the full legislature for a vote. Once approved by the full legislature, it goes to the Governor to signing. So now is the time to contact your state legislator and let him/her know your thoughts on the budget. Get involved!
3. Threat to Medicaid Funding in Wisconsin – Your Advocacy is Needed!
The House of Representatives’ vote to approve the American Health Care Act (AHCA) has put Medicaid in jeopardy. The bill has now moved to the U.S. Senate. This is the legislation that will appeal the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as ObamaCare. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the AHCA would cut Medicaid by $834 billion via per capita caps or block grants over the next 10 years. This impacts Medicaid funded supports in Wisconsin like Family Care, IRIS, personal care, Katie Beckett, Badgercare, mental health services, SeniorCare, autism services, school therapies and more, including the items mentioned in the State Budget Update above. Combined with the President’s proposed $610 billion in cuts to Medicaid in his budget, Medicaid spending could be reduced by 45% over the next 10 years.
With cuts of this size, Wisconsin would need to find other revenue, such as state General Purpose Revenue (GPR) dollars, to maintain current Medicaid programs and benefits or institute cost savings measures like reducing provider reimbursement rates, limiting services and benefits, or reinstating waiting lists for programs. In addition to those reductions, workers employed by Wisconsin’s Medicaid provider agencies could face job loss. The cuts will be devastating to Wisconsin and the citizens who rely on these critical programs.
In Wisconsin, Medicaid provides funding for more than 20 programs. The federal government currently funds about 60% of Wisconsin’s Medicaid costs, bringing roughly $5 billion to Wisconsin. These federal matching funds are the largest funding source for Wisconsin’s Medicaid programs and help to ensure that state GPR can be used for other essential purposes.
Wisconsin’s Medicaid program provides critical health and long-term care services to more than one million Wisconsinites. Nearly two-thirds of Wisconsin Medicaid participants are older adults, people with disabilities or children, many of whom have disabilities. Wisconsin’s strong Medicaid Program is essential to the health and independence of people with disabilities. People with disabilities rely on specific supports, such as personal care, school therapies, prescription drugs, transportation, employment services, and mental health and substance use disorder services that are not available at all or not available at the level needed on the private insurance market. This is especially true for people who rely on non-emergency medical transportation, home health care services or need comprehensive mental health and substance abuse services. Medicaid access is also proven to decrease unnecessary hospitalizations and increase access to primary care.
So what can you do to make sure these cuts to Medicaid do not happen?
1. Call your Senators and let your voice be heard! Senator Ron Johnson at 1-866-426-2631 and Senator Tammy Baldwin at 1-800-247-5645. Ask them not to support any cuts in Medicaid. Share your story or your thoughts. Personal stories are the most effective. Talk about why Medicaid is important to you. If you or a family member are on Medicaid (including a waiver), tell them what services you receive. Ask them how they plan to protect the services and supports you or others receive and how can they ensure those necessary supports won’t change.
2. Call Governor Walker at 1-608-266-1212 and your two state legislators at 1-800-362-9472(WI Legislative Hotline). Ask them to urge Senator Johnson and Senator Baldwin not to support any cuts to Medicaid in order to allow our most vulnerable citizens access to the health care and programs they need to remain safe and healthy inour communities.
If you have any questions about reaching out to your Senators or State Legislators, please contact Sandy Popp at Options for Independent Living toll-free at 1-888-465-1515, ext. 179. If you want more data on Medicaid services in your area go to the Survival Coalition website at If you want more detailed information on the Medicaid cuts go to The ARC Wisconsin website at And, thank you for helping to make an impact by letting your voice be heard!
4. Happy 27th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)!
July 26, 2017 marks the 27th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by President George H.W. Bush. This landmark legislation and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) give civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals onthe basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. The ADA and ADAAA also assure equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities for access to businesses, employment, transportation, state and local government programs and services, and telecommunications.
The ADA was the world's first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities. It was a collaborative effort of Democrats, Republicans, the legislative and the executive branches, federal and state agencies, and people with and without disabilities. The ADA Anniversary is a time that we can reflect positively on a law that has made a great impact on the lives of people with disabilities and our country over the past 27 years. At the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990 President George H.W. Bush stated: “Three weeks ago we celebrated our nation's Independence Day. Today we're here to rejoice in and celebrate another 'independence day,' one that is long overdue. With today's signing of the landmark Americans for Disabilities Act, every man, woman, and child with a disability can now pass through once-closed doors into a bright new era of equality, independence, and freedom."
He ended his speech with this: “And now I sign legislation which takes a sledgehammer to another wall, one which has for too many generations separated Americans with disabilities from the freedom they could glimpse, but not grasp. Once again, we rejoice as this barrier falls for claiming together we will not accept, we will not excuse, we will not tolerate discrimination in America.” With, again, great thanks to the Members of the United States Senate, leaders of whom are here today, and those who worked so tirelessly for this legislation on both sides of the aisles. And to those Members of the House of Representatives with us here today, Democrats and Republicans as well, I salute you. And on your behalf, as well as the behalf of this entire country, I now lift my pen to sign this Americans with Disabilities Act and say: Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down. God bless you all.”
July 26 will soon be upon us. When the day arrives, take time to reflect on the freedoms you now enjoy as a result of the ADA, i.e., curb cuts, wider doors, audible walk signals, accessible parking, relay system for those who are deaf, accommodations in the workplace, accessible playgrounds and parks, etc. But remember, the work is not done. There are still many threats out there to weaken the ADA. We must stand firm, let your voice be heard, and let no one take our rights from us!
5. Did You Know…Options has a Medicaid Personal Care Program
Did you know that if you have medical assistance, a physical disability, and need help with personal cares, you could be eligible for Options personal care program?
Options offers a personal care program that empowers people with disabilities to manage their in-home personal care services being done by family or friends while Medical Assistance covers the cost. (Note: spouses cannot be paid to care for one another, and parents are eligible to care for their children age 18 or older). The following are some examples of situations where our program could be a good fit for you:
You have a disability, are on medical assistance, and have an individual/caregiver you want to provide cares for you. What do you do? Call Options toll-free at 1-888-465-1515 or 1-920-490-0500 to refer yourself to Options Personal Care Program. If you qualify for 20+ hours of care a week, your caregiver is eligible for Options Retirement Plan. If you require 30+ hours of care a week, your caregiver is also eligible for our affordable health insurance.
What if you have a disability and are on medical assistance, but don’t know anyone that can provide cares for you? Perhaps there is a family member, (sister/brother 18 or older, aunt/uncle, mom/dad, grandma/grandpa) or maybe a friend or neighbor that has personal care experience that could help. What about someone from church or a community group you are involved in? They can be paid to care for you too and have the possibility of being eligible for both Options retirement plan (20+ hours/week) and/or insurance benefits (30+ hours/week).
Do you need personal cares and have SHC (Supportive Home Care) through IRIS? We can combine your need for personal cares and your SHC hours with the possibility of your aide being eligible for our retirement plan and/or insurance benefits.
Options employs a variety of caregivers chosen by the consumer. We have a grandmother caring for her grandchild, a sister caring for her brother, mothers and/or fathers caring for adult children, an aunt caring for her niece, friends caring for a friend, a brother and mom caring for an adult child, a daughter caring for her parent – just to name a few. Our program allows you to choose your own qualified caregiver(s) so you can be comfortable and in control of your personal care needs. You can also be assured your caregiver is being compensated for their valuable assistance.
Call Options today toll-free at 1-888-465-151 05 or 920-490-0500 to make a referral for our Personal Care Program.
6.Consumer Spotlight
Torrie—My 26 year old daughter Torrie has a very rare neurological disorder which limits her mobility. As a child we didn’t have any problems getting her in and out of the bathtub. We knew that eventually we would need to replace her tub. The IRIS consultant referred us to Options for Independent Living.
Steve LaFrombois, Options Housing Program Manager, came to our home and did an assessment of our current bathroom. Due to our daughter’s complex diagnosis we didn’t even know where to begin. She likes routine and to remove her current tub with a shower was not a good option. Steve suggested that we try a tub lift that we were able to try-out from their equipment loan program. Steve also had us look at a tub that had a retractable door. We were most impressed with the fact that he pointed out some features on that tub that would not be a good choice for Torrie. He also did some research and found the Best Bath ADL Tub that we all agreed would be the perfect choice.
We needed 3 plumbing estimates for the tub which we had difficulty getting. Steve recommended a plumber that was certified in Best Bath installation and they provided us with one of the estimates quickly.
Steve provided us with many options and was able to see things differently through his detailed assessment that we may have missed when choosing the tub. We appreciate his hard work and dedication to people with disabilities. The tub has been approved and we are relieved to have a product that will help us meet our daughter’s personal needs and also allow easy bathing for all of her caregivers.
Joyce—Over the past several months I have had the pleasure of working with the Assistive Technology department of Options. As my disease progressed simple tasks became impossible, often times leaving me frustrated. We were not aware of the multitude of items available to help resolve some of my issues. I cannot begin to describe the improvement in the quality of my life that are a result of the work Calvin has done for me.
Calvin helped me to get the right phone, which is mostly voice controlled, and programmed it to work for me. Additionally, he provided a device that holds the phone for me, which makes it accessible and easy to use. I also set up our Echo to operate the television and turn lights on and off.
These few simple things provide a significant amount of independence as I can be home alone and do these things for myself. I thank the staff at Options for understanding just how important a little independence is to a person with a physical challenge.