MONTANA
Montana faced budget problems in 2002 that curtailed some home and community-based long-term care services. Work moved forward, however, on addressing work force shortages through the recommendations of a blue-ribbon task force and, with the help of almost $1.4 million in federal grant money, on improving access, housing and transportation for people with disabilities.
The Budget
Reductions to the FY 2003 budget approved by the Legislature in mid-2002 called for less money to fund modifications to homes and other one-time expenditures that assist people to remain in community settings. Other cuts called for reducing the number of Meals-on-Wheels provided to senior citizens, and delayed wage increases for six months for direct care workers who provide Medicaid Personal Assistance services and for providers of home and community-based waiver and home health services. Spending for mental health services also was reduced.
Workforce
A Blue Ribbon Task Force on Health Care Workforce Shortages issued a report on September 26, 2002. The task force was appointed by Governor Judy Martz in October 2001. The report discussed five major issues: Montana's health care climate, educational opportunities, the health care work environment, reimbursement and compensation, and data collection and analysis.
The task force recommended that the governor direct the departments of Public Health and Human Services and Labor and Industry to educate the general public and policymakers about the need for health care workers, about the diverse opportunities available in the field, and about the value and importance of health care workers to the Montana economy and citizens. Task force recommendations also included calling on health care employers to create a culture in which health care staff are valued and have a voice in shaping institutional policy.
Home and Community-Based Services
A class action lawsuit, Travis D. vs. Eastmont Human Services Center, was filed in August 1996 in federal court by the Montana Advocacy Program to seek community-based services for people with developmental disabilities who reside in the two state-run residential facilities. Despite sporadic settlement negotiations between the state and the plaintiffs, there was no resolution of the case as of February 2003.
The Department of Public Health and Human Services developed information for the Legislature regarding income-testing for developmental disabilities services. However, in an October 2002 report by the Children, Families, Health and Human Services Interim Committee, the committee said no changes of this nature were sought by the Legislature "at this time." The committee report added, however, that in the face of litigation and budget cuts, "It may be a proposal that warrants further attention."
Grant Initiatives
The state received a $1,385,000 federal Systems Change grant in 2002 to be used by three programs or divisions within the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. The Developmental Disabilities Program will ensure that services are funded for an individual based on the person's needs. Service recipients will purchase and pay for their own services from their choice of qualified providers.
With the Montana HomeChoice Coalition, the Addictive and Mental Disorders Division will coordinate the development and use of accessible and affordable housing in four Montana communities. Montana Vocational Rehabilitation will coordinate with the Montana Transportation Partnership and the Western Transportation Institute to develop and implement a coordinated transportation system in two communities. The system will serve as a replicable model for the state.
BACK TO INDEX
BACK TO REPORT
|
