The state is entering the final test phase of Oasis - the new way of allocating funds for people on the Developmental Disabilities, Support Services, and Autism Medicaid Waivers.    

 

Some consumers are optimistic that this process will provide more control over resources and more equitable budgets.  Other consumers worry that reality will not live up to promises. 

 

There is great concern on the part of providers that the resources, especially for day supports and respite, will not meet consumers’ needs or expectations, forcing consumers to accept less services than they need.

 

There is a great deal of work to be done to answer critical questions about Oasis, and to determine the total impact it will have.  An analysis of the impact it had on the pilot area in BDDS District 4 shows that funding under Oasis significantly increased funds for residential supports, added a small amount for respite, and totally changed funding for day supports – focusing funding on staff hours, not services.

 

The next two key steps will be to see how the allocation process will work based upon an individual person’s needs; and to test a new interactive budgeting tool that is intended to allow consumers to choose how and which services will be planned and budgeted. 

 

Rates for services are only one part of the answer.  If allocations are in fact appropriate to meet the needs of the person, more individualized supports will be possible.  If allocations are not enough, this model will, at best, push the system toward large group services, with less funding.  At worst, it could threaten the ability of some providers to continue, leaving consumers currently getting services at risk and those coming off waiting list in limbo. Many fear the worst.

 

Because this issue is so important, FSSA’s most recent presentation on Oasis can be viewed on our web site at http://www.arcind.org/OASIS%20Information.htm.  

 

We will continue to make this a major priority for our work, and will do all we can to keep everyone informed. Because of our commitment to families and consumers, we will have the first  installment of a Consumer Guide to OASIS  in the spring issue of The Arc News in Indiana.  This will be posted on our web site at the end of May.  More will be coming.  Please check our website and future issues of our newsletter for up to the minute information.