Representatives from the Department of Health and Social Services will be in Kenai Tuesday to talk with community members about options for seniors and developmentally disabled individuals as the state works on Medicaid Reform.
Duane Mayes, State Director for the Division of Senior and Disability Services, is traveling around the state with a team to investigate Medicaid alternative options under the Social Security Act.
Mayes: “It’s really supporting seniors and people with disabilities remaining within their community, meaning some kind of support. So if they meet eligibility of their program, that’s what the intent is. What we want to do is look at two other options to possibly replace most of the current C waiver that may bring in more federal dollars to the state.”
He says that caretakers and providers for seniors or individuals with traumatic brain injuries, developmental disabilities, or mental illness can attend a variety of sessions on Tuesday to provide input on the options.
On Tuesday evening a community event will be held at Frontier Community Services for family and friends who would like to weigh in.
All meetings on Tuesday will be at the Frontier Community Services Office at 43335 K-Beach Road, #36 in the Red Diamond Center and each will start with about a one hour presentation regarding the specific audience.
Tuesday, December 15 meetings about options with state officials:
10 am – 12 pm: Seniors and caretakers
12 pm – 2 pm: Coordinators for seniors, disabled and mentally ill individuals.
2 pm – 4 pm: Caretakers for individuals with mental health, developmental disabilities, or traumatic brain injuries.
6 pm – 8 pm: Community open house for families for previously specified groups