The Delaware Budget and Its Impact on Those Affected by Autism
Autism Delaware works with the Delaware Association of Rehabilitation Facilities to protect funding for adult services and to secure fair payment for providers. As Medicaid is the primary source of payment for services provided to adults with developmental disabilities, sufficient funding for the Medicaid match as well as funding for those clients not qualifying for Medicaid are critical to ensuring appropriate services for adults with autism.
After 8 years with no increase, which amounted to a 20% cut when inflation was taken into account, providers received a 2% increase for FY2012. While providers benefit from this increase, it does not do enough to alleviate the problems caused by rising costs with no corresponding rise in payment over the previous years. To keep sufficient services for existing and soon-to-arrive clients in the schools, more resources are needed. Autism Delaware supports Governor Markell's recommendation of a 1% increase in FY2013, and asks the legislature to match it with an additional 1%.
We also support the governor's recommendation of new funding for 140 students who will graduate in need of adult services, 75 new emergency placements, and annualizing (full-year funding for people who came into the system partway through the previous year) the 2011 graduates and people placed in emergency residential slots. We encourage the legislature to adopt this recommendation.
2011 DelARF Position Paper on Provider Contracts