Advocating for 1,217 Additional Medicaid Waiver Slots
Several Atlanta-based non-profits are preparing to lobby Georgia lawmakers to add 1,217 Medicaid waiver slots to this year's budget, significantly more than Governor Brian Kemp's proposed 100 slots.
Latoya Palmer-Addy, executive director of Parent to Parent of Georgia, stated that the two programs, New Option Waiver (NOW) and Comprehensive Support Waiver (COMP), are part of the state's Medicaid system. She noted that these waivers help individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities remain with their families and participate in community life.
We're talking about therapy, respite services for caregivers, in-home support, and community-based support.
Palmer-Addy confirmed that the group, along with other organizations, will lobby under the Gold Dome of the State Capitol in March.
Stories of Waiting Families
Lori Jackson, a resident near Valdosta, shared that her 14-year-old adopted son, Landon, who has autism and is non-verbal, has been waiting for a waiver for many years. She frequently travels to Atlanta to see specialists.
The waiver allows for in-home care support. My son needs 24/7 care. I've had to change jobs multiple times as a single mother.
In Cobb County, Sitara Nayak stated that her 24-year-old son, Ishan, is receiving a COMP waiver. She said the program helps cover care costs and enables her son to "live a normal life like any other 24-year-old."
Advocacy Day at the State Capitol
Parent to Parent of Georgia announced that Advocacy Day at the State Capitol will take place on March 4. The organization stated that approximately 14,000 people are participating in the NOW and COMP programs statewide, and it has provided information and training to 1,220 parents and caregivers on how to apply for waivers.
Detailed information about NOW and COMP is available on the official website of the state of Georgia.
