Fw: Florida - APD Budget Problems Worse Than Thought

[Guest guest]

This is a must read if you're either already on the Medwaiver or on the waitlist. As bad as the situation is, one thing not mentioned in the article is the class action lawsuit that's being filed to get services for the waitlisted folks. If there's not enough funding for the approx 30,000 already receiving services, how can 20,000 more be added?

What do other states do?

----- Forwarded Message -----To: Undisclosed List Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2011 11:51 PMSubject: Florida - APD Budget Problems Worse Than Thought

Florida - APD Budget Problems Worse Than Thought

The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities faces tough choices to balance its budget this year, amid signs that financial problems might be deeper than expected.

Tallahassee, FL -- September 20, 2011 Reporter: Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida

http://www.wctv.tv/news/headlines/APD_Budget_Problems_Worse_Than_Thought_130246978.html

The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities faces tough choices to balance its budget this year, amid signs that financial problems might be deeper than expected.

APD Director Mike Hansen told House members Tuesday that the agency spent about $7.6 million more than projected in August. Hansen said he hopes that one month is a "fluke,'' but similar totals in later months would worsen budget problems that already have led to cuts.

"We're trying to figure out what really happened,'' said Hansen, a longtime legislative and gubernatorial budget staffer who took over at APD last month.

What's more, lawmakers set aside money this spring to cover a deficit from the 2010-11 fiscal year. But Hansen said APD does not have as much cash as it expected, leaving it possibly $15 million short of covering that past deficit.

House Health Care Appropriations Chairman Matt Hudson, R-Naples, said the potential $15 million shortfall is troubling "to get hit with at this point.''

APD has run deficits for years in its major program that serves people with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. Frustrated with the situation, lawmakers this spring made cuts and ordered APD to come up with plans to deal with shortfalls that might develop during the year.

House Health & Human Services Access Chairman Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, said Tuesday the state needs to get the program under control.

"If we had every agency run amok like this, we would be in chaos and look a lot like Washington,'' Baxley said.

Hansen made back-to-back presentations to the committees chaired by Hudson and Baxley and was candid about the agency's financial problems. He acknowledged that APD might not be able to end the fiscal year next June without a deficit.

"I believe that it's going to be very difficult challenge,'' Hansen said. "We're going to make every effort.''

Also, he acknowledged that a controversial legislative attempt in 2007 to fix the financial problems had not worked. That attempt involved setting up a system of "tiers" that set new spending limits based on the needs of developmentally disabled people.

"We thought the tiers were the right answer,'' Hansen said. "We tried to implement the tiers. But guess what, it didn't work out.''

Lawmakers this spring forced cuts in APD's main program, which serves about 30,000 people and has a waiting list of about 20,000. They earmarked $810 million for the so-called "home and community-based services waiver,'' about $120 million less than the program had been projected to cost.

The Legislature and APD have already whittled down that deficit, with steps such as cutting provider rates by 4 percent and freezing services unless developmentally disabled people are in crisis. Even with such changes, however, APD said in a Sept. 1 report that it needed to find another $55 million in savings.

If the agency goes over spending projections --- as it did in August --- the $55 million total would grow.

Hansen told lawmakers that APD is already moving forward with likely cuts, such as reducing payment rates for some types of services.

Also, it is considering moves such as requiring parents to help pay for services provided to their children. That move, which would use a sliding-fee scale based on income levels, would require federal approval.

Hansen said APD also hopes that longer-term efforts will help stem budget problems, such as a process to review what are known as "cost plans" that deal with the services people receive.

Bigger picture, however, Hansen and Baxley said they think lawmakers and the agency need to look at the program's core mission. Hansen said the state needs to protect people's health and safety, but at least part of the question is what other services it should provide.

Click here to post a comment.

[Guest guest]

I don't know the answer to your question, but inPA they have a separate adult waiver for autism only! Florida parents should give up on the waiver in general and pursue to duplicate this waiver in florida. Our kids and adult needs are different! LiaSent via BlackBerry by AT&TSender: sList Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 07:04:02 -0700 (PDT)To: <deniseslist >ReplyTo: sList Subject: Fw: Florida - APD Budget Problems Worse Than Thought This is a must read if you're either already on the Medwaiver or on the waitlist. As bad as the situation is, one thing not mentioned in the article is the class action lawsuit that's being filed to get services for the waitlisted folks. If there's not enough funding for the approx 30,000 already receiving services, how can 20,000 more be added? What do other states do?----- Forwarded Message -----To: Undisclosed List Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2011 11:51 PMSubject: Florida - APD Budget Problems Worse Than Thought Florida - APD Budget Problems Worse Than Thought The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities faces tough choices to balance its budget this year, amid signs that financial problems might be deeper than expected.Tallahassee, FL -- September 20, 2011 Reporter: Jim Saunders, The News Service of Floridahttp://www.wctv.tv/news/headlines/APD_Budget_Problems_Worse_Than_Thought_130246978.htmlThe Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities faces tough choices to balance its budget this year, amid signs that financial problems might be deeper than expected.APD Director Mike Hansen told House members Tuesday that the agency spent about $7.6 million more than projected in August. Hansen said he hopes that one month is a "fluke,'' but similar totals in later months would worsen budget problems that already have led to cuts."We're trying to figure out what really happened,'' said Hansen, a longtime legislative and gubernatorial budget staffer who took over at APD last month.What's more, lawmakers set aside money this spring to cover a deficit from the 2010-11 fiscal year. But Hansen said APD does not have as much cash as it expected, leaving it possibly $15 million short of covering that past deficit.House Health Care Appropriations Chairman Matt Hudson, R-Naples, said the potential $15 million shortfall is troubling "to get hit with at this point.''APD has run deficits for years in its major program that serves people with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. Frustrated with the situation, lawmakers this spring made cuts and ordered APD to come up with plans to deal with shortfalls that might develop during the year.House Health & Human Services Access Chairman Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, said Tuesday the state needs to get the program under control."If we had every agency run amok like this, we would be in chaos and look a lot like Washington,'' Baxley said.Hansen made back-to-back presentations to the committees chaired by Hudson and Baxley and was candid about the agency's financial problems. He acknowledged that APD might not be able to end the fiscal year next June without a deficit."I believe that it's going to be very difficult challenge,'' Hansen said. "We're going to make every effort.''Also, he acknowledged that a controversial legislative attempt in 2007 to fix the financial problems had not worked. That attempt involved setting up a system of "tiers" that set new spending limits based on the needs of developmentally disabled people."We thought the tiers were the right answer,'' Hansen said. "We tried to implement the tiers. But guess what, it didn't work out.''Lawmakers this spring forced cuts in APD's main program, which serves about 30,000 people and has a waiting list of about 20,000. They earmarked $810 million for the so-called "home and community-based services waiver,'' about $120 million less than the program had been projected to cost.The Legislature and APD have already whittled down that deficit, with steps such as cutting provider rates by 4 percent and freezing services unless developmentally disabled people are in crisis. Even with such changes, however, APD said in a Sept. 1 report that it needed to find another $55 million in savings.If the agency goes over spending projections --- as it did in August --- the $55 million total would grow.Hansen told lawmakers that APD is already moving forward with likely cuts, such as reducing payment rates for some types of services. Also, it is considering moves such as requiring parents to help pay for services provided to their children. That move, which would use a sliding-fee scale based on income levels, would require federal approval.Hansen said APD also hopes that longer-term efforts will help stem budget problems, such as a process to review what are known as "cost plans" that deal with the services people receive.Bigger picture, however, Hansen and Baxley said they think lawmakers and the agency need to look at the program's core mission. Hansen said the state needs to protect people's health and safety, but at least part of the question is what other services it should provide.Click here to post a comment.

[Guest guest]

They probably did spend more because they have to keep paying the doctors in Tallahassee and the hearing officer more & more because of the court costs. And tell me how the hearing officer can spend so much time at the local APD office when he is supposed to be neutral?To: sList Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 10:21 AMSubject: Re: Fw: Florida - APD Budget Problems Worse Than Thought

I don't know the answer to your question, but inPA they have a separate adult waiver for autism only! Florida parents should give up on the waiver in general and pursue to duplicate this waiver in florida. Our kids and adult needs are different! LiaSent via BlackBerry by AT & T

Sender: sList

Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 07:04:02 -0700 (PDT)To: <deniseslist >ReplyTo: sList

Subject: Fw: Florida - APD Budget Problems Worse Than Thought

This is a must read if you're either already on the Medwaiver or on the waitlist. As bad as the situation is, one thing not mentioned in the article is the class action lawsuit that's being filed to get services for the waitlisted folks. If there's not enough funding for the approx 30,000 already receiving services, how can 20,000 more be added?

What do other states do?

----- Forwarded Message -----To: Undisclosed List Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2011 11:51 PMSubject: Florida - APD Budget Problems Worse Than Thought

Florida - APD Budget Problems Worse Than Thought

The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities faces tough choices to balance its budget this year, amid signs that financial problems might be deeper than expected.

Tallahassee, FL -- September 20, 2011 Reporter: Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida

http://www.wctv.tv/news/headlines/APD_Budget_Problems_Worse_Than_Thought_130246978.html

The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities faces tough choices to balance its budget this year, amid signs that financial problems might be deeper than expected.

APD Director Mike Hansen told House members Tuesday that the agency spent about $7.6 million more than projected in August. Hansen said he hopes that one month is a "fluke,'' but similar totals in later months would worsen budget problems that already have led to cuts.

"We're trying to figure out what really happened,'' said Hansen, a longtime legislative and gubernatorial budget staffer who took over at APD last month.

What's more, lawmakers set aside money this spring to cover a deficit from the 2010-11 fiscal year. But Hansen said APD does not have as much cash as it expected, leaving it possibly $15 million short of covering that past deficit.

House Health Care Appropriations Chairman Matt Hudson, R-Naples, said the potential $15 million shortfall is troubling "to get hit with at this point.''

APD has run deficits for years in its major program that serves people with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. Frustrated with the situation, lawmakers this spring made cuts and ordered APD to come up with plans to deal with shortfalls that might develop during the year.

House Health & Human Services Access Chairman Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, said Tuesday the state needs to get the program under control.

"If we had every agency run amok like this, we would be in chaos and look a lot like Washington,'' Baxley said.

Hansen made back-to-back presentations to the committees chaired by Hudson and Baxley and was candid about the agency's financial problems. He acknowledged that APD might not be able to end the fiscal year next June without a deficit.

"I believe that it's going to be very difficult challenge,'' Hansen said. "We're going to make every effort.''

Also, he acknowledged that a controversial legislative attempt in 2007 to fix the financial problems had not worked. That attempt involved setting up a system of "tiers" that set new spending limits based on the needs of developmentally disabled people.

"We thought the tiers were the right answer,'' Hansen said. "We tried to implement the tiers. But guess what, it didn't work out.''

Lawmakers this spring forced cuts in APD's main program, which serves about 30,000 people and has a waiting list of about 20,000. They earmarked $810 million for the so-called "home and community-based services waiver,'' about $120 million less than the program had been projected to cost.

The Legislature and APD have already whittled down that deficit, with steps such as cutting provider rates by 4 percent and freezing services unless developmentally disabled people are in crisis. Even with such changes, however, APD said in a Sept. 1 report that it needed to find another $55 million in savings.

If the agency goes over spending projections --- as it did in August --- the $55 million total would grow.

Hansen told lawmakers that APD is already moving forward with likely cuts, such as reducing payment rates for some types of services.

Also, it is considering moves such as requiring parents to help pay for services provided to their children. That move, which would use a sliding-fee scale based on income levels, would require federal approval.

Hansen said APD also hopes that longer-term efforts will help stem budget problems, such as a process to review what are known as "cost plans" that deal with the services people receive.

Bigger picture, however, Hansen and Baxley said they think lawmakers and the agency need to look at the program's core mission. Hansen said the state needs to protect people's health and safety, but at least part of the question is what other services it should provide.

Click here to post a comment.

[Guest guest]

That is so true. I have been waiting for three years for the med waiver but there is little hope for us. I have sold my home and moved into my parents home so that I can afford to give my son the care he needs. I could have avoided all of that if medicaid had of just paid for ABA therapy. I am of the opinion that medicaid is useless (at least it has been for us) and maybe they should scrap that program and use the money to fund the med waiver program.

Florida - APD Budget Problems Worse Than Thought

Florida - APD Budget Problems Worse Than Thought

The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities faces tough choices to balance its budget this year, amid signs that financial problems might be deeper than expected.

Tallahassee, FL -- September 20, 2011 Reporter: Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida

http://www.wctv.tv/news/headlines/APD_Budget_Problems_Worse_Than_Thought_130246978.html

The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities faces tough choices to balance its budget this year, amid signs that financial problems might be deeper than expected.

APD Director Mike Hansen told House members Tuesday that the agency spent about $7.6 million more than projected in August. Hansen said he hopes that one month is a "fluke,'' but similar totals in later months would worsen budget problems that already have led to cuts.

"We're trying to figure out what really happened,'' said Hansen, a longtime legislative and gubernatorial budget staffer who took over at APD last month.

What's more, lawmakers set aside money this spring to cover a deficit from the 2010-11 fiscal year. But Hansen said APD does not have as much cash as it expected, leaving it possibly $15 million short of covering that past deficit.

House Health Care Appropriations Chairman Matt Hudson, R-Naples, said the potential $15 million shortfall is troubling "to get hit with at this point.''

APD has run deficits for years in its major program that serves people with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. Frustrated with the situation, lawmakers this spring made cuts and ordered APD to come up with plans to deal with shortfalls that might develop during the year.

House Health & Human Services Access Chairman Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, said Tuesday the state needs to get the program under control.

"If we had every agency run amok like this, we would be in chaos and look a lot like Washington,'' Baxley said.

Hansen made back-to-back presentations to the committees chaired by Hudson and Baxley and was candid about the agency's financial problems. He acknowledged that APD might not be able to end the fiscal year next June without a deficit.

"I believe that it's going to be very difficult challenge,'' Hansen said. "We're going to make every effort.''

Also, he acknowledged that a controversial legislative attempt in 2007 to fix the financial problems had not worked. That attempt involved setting up a system of "tiers" that set new spending limits based on the needs of developmentally disabled people.

"We thought the tiers were the right answer,'' Hansen said. "We tried to implement the tiers. But guess what, it didn't work out.''

Lawmakers this spring forced cuts in APD's main program, which serves about 30,000 people and has a waiting list of about 20,000. They earmarked $810 million for the so-called "home and community-based services waiver,'' about $120 million less than the program had been projected to cost.

The Legislature and APD have already whittled down that deficit, with steps such as cutting provider rates by 4 percent and freezing services unless developmentally disabled people are in crisis. Even with such changes, however, APD said in a Sept. 1 report that it needed to find another $55 million in savings.

If the agency goes over spending projections --- as it did in August --- the $55 million total would grow.

Hansen told lawmakers that APD is already moving forward with likely cuts, such as reducing payment rates for some types of services.

Also, it is considering moves such as requiring parents to help pay for services provided to their children. That move, which would use a sliding-fee scale based on income levels, would require federal approval.

Hansen said APD also hopes that longer-term efforts will help stem budget problems, such as a process to review what are known as "cost plans" that deal with the services people receive.

Bigger picture, however, Hansen and Baxley said they think lawmakers and the agency need to look at the program's core mission. Hansen said the state needs to protect people's health and safety, but at least part of the question is what other services it should provide.

Click here to post a comment.

[Guest guest]

I feel parents should research other states that work for kids and adults with autism and demand those waivers be duplicated in florida! We vote these people in and they don't advocate for us!! Who r the ones in tallahassee who feel for our cause???Sent via BlackBerry by AT&TSender: sList Date: Thu, 22 Sep 2011 06:11:16 -0400 (EDT)To: <sList >ReplyTo: sList Subject: Re: Fw: Florida - APD Budget Problems Worse Than Thought That is so true. I have been waiting for three years for the med waiver but there is little hope for us. I have sold my home and moved into my parents home so that I can afford to give my son the care he needs. I could have avoided all of that if medicaid had of just paid for ABA therapy. I am of the opinion that medicaid is useless (at least it has been for us) and maybe they should scrap that program and use the money to fund the med waiver program. Florida - APD Budget Problems Worse Than Thought Florida - APD Budget Problems Worse Than Thought The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities faces tough choices to balance its budget this year, amid signs that financial problems might be deeper than expected.Tallahassee, FL -- September 20, 2011 Reporter: Jim Saunders, The News Service of Floridahttp://www.wctv.tv/news/headlines/APD_Budget_Problems_Worse_Than_Thought_130246978.htmlThe Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities faces tough choices to balance its budget this year, amid signs that financial problems might be deeper than expected.APD Director Mike Hansen told House members Tuesday that the agency spent about $7.6 million more than projected in August. Hansen said he hopes that one month is a "fluke,'' but similar totals in later months would worsen budget problems that already have led to cuts."We're trying to figure out what really happened,'' said Hansen, a longtime legislative and gubernatorial budget staffer who took over at APD last month.What's more, lawmakers set aside money this spring to cover a deficit from the 2010-11 fiscal year. But Hansen said APD does not have as much cash as it expected, leaving it possibly $15 million short of covering that past deficit.House Health Care Appropriations Chairman Matt Hudson, R-Naples, said the potential $15 million shortfall is troubling "to get hit with at this point.''APD has run deficits for years in its major program that serves people with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. Frustrated with the situation, lawmakers this spring made cuts and ordered APD to come up with plans to deal with shortfalls that might develop during the year.House Health & Human Services Access Chairman Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, said Tuesday the state needs to get the program under control."If we had every agency run amok like this, we would be in chaos and look a lot like Washington,'' Baxley said.Hansen made back-to-back presentations to the committees chaired by Hudson and Baxley and was candid about the agency's financial problems. He acknowledged that APD might not be able to end the fiscal year next June without a deficit."I believe that it's going to be very difficult challenge,'' Hansen said. "We're going to make every effort.''Also, he acknowledged that a controversial legislative attempt in 2007 to fix the financial problems had not worked. That attempt involved setting up a system of "tiers" that set new spending limits based on the needs of developmentally disabled people."We thought the tiers were the right answer,'' Hansen said. "We tried to implement the tiers. But guess what, it didn't work out.''Lawmakers this spring forced cuts in APD's main program, which serves about 30,000 people and has a waiting list of about 20,000. They earmarked $810 million for the so-called "home and community-based services waiver,'' about $120 million less than the program had been projected to cost.The Legislature and APD have already whittled down that deficit, with steps such as cutting provider rates by 4 percent and freezing services unless developmentally disabled people are in crisis. Even with such changes, however, APD said in a Sept. 1 report that it needed to find another $55 million in savings.If the agency goes over spending projections --- as it did in August --- the $55 million total would grow.Hansen told lawmakers that APD is already moving forward with likely cuts, such as reducing payment rates for some types of services. Also, it is considering moves such as requiring parents to help pay for services provided to their children. That move, which would use a sliding-fee scale based on income levels, would require federal approval.Hansen said APD also hopes that longer-term efforts will help stem budget problems, such as a process to review what are known as "cost plans" that deal with the services people receive.Bigger picture, however, Hansen and Baxley said they think lawmakers and the agency need to look at the program's core mission. Hansen said the state needs to protect people's health and safety, but at least part of the question is what other services it should provide.Click here to post a comment.

[Guest guest]

You can contact Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and see what her office can do for us. sandySent from my iPad

I feel parents should research other states that work for kids and adults with autism and demand those waivers be duplicated in florida! We vote these people in and they don't advocate for us!! Who r the ones in tallahassee who feel for our cause???Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

Sender: sList

Date: Thu, 22 Sep 2011 06:11:16 -0400 (EDT)To: <sList >ReplyTo: sList

Subject: Re: Fw: Florida - APD Budget Problems Worse Than Thought

That is so true. I have been waiting for three years for the med waiver but there is little hope for us. I have sold my home and moved into my parents home so that I can afford to give my son the care he needs. I could have avoided all of that if medicaid had of just paid for ABA therapy. I am of the opinion that medicaid is useless (at least it has been for us) and maybe they should scrap that program and use the money to fund the med waiver program.

Florida - APD Budget Problems Worse Than Thought

Florida - APD Budget Problems Worse Than Thought

The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities faces tough choices to balance its budget this year, amid signs that financial problems might be deeper than expected.

Tallahassee, FL -- September 20, 2011 Reporter: Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida

http://www.wctv.tv/news/headlines/APD_Budget_Problems_Worse_Than_Thought_130246978.html

The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities faces tough choices to balance its budget this year, amid signs that financial problems might be deeper than expected.

APD Director Mike Hansen told House members Tuesday that the agency spent about $7.6 million more than projected in August. Hansen said he hopes that one month is a "fluke,'' but similar totals in later months would worsen budget problems that already have led to cuts.

"We're trying to figure out what really happened,'' said Hansen, a longtime legislative and gubernatorial budget staffer who took over at APD last month.

What's more, lawmakers set aside money this spring to cover a deficit from the 2010-11 fiscal year. But Hansen said APD does not have as much cash as it expected, leaving it possibly $15 million short of covering that past deficit.

House Health Care Appropriations Chairman Matt Hudson, R-Naples, said the potential $15 million shortfall is troubling "to get hit with at this point.''

APD has run deficits for years in its major program that serves people with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. Frustrated with the situation, lawmakers this spring made cuts and ordered APD to come up with plans to deal with shortfalls that might develop during the year.

House Health & Human Services Access Chairman Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, said Tuesday the state needs to get the program under control.

"If we had every agency run amok like this, we would be in chaos and look a lot like Washington,'' Baxley said.

Hansen made back-to-back presentations to the committees chaired by Hudson and Baxley and was candid about the agency's financial problems. He acknowledged that APD might not be able to end the fiscal year next June without a deficit.

"I believe that it's going to be very difficult challenge,'' Hansen said. "We're going to make every effort.''

Also, he acknowledged that a controversial legislative attempt in 2007 to fix the financial problems had not worked. That attempt involved setting up a system of "tiers" that set new spending limits based on the needs of developmentally disabled people.

"We thought the tiers were the right answer,'' Hansen said. "We tried to implement the tiers. But guess what, it didn't work out.''

Lawmakers this spring forced cuts in APD's main program, which serves about 30,000 people and has a waiting list of about 20,000. They earmarked $810 million for the so-called "home and community-based services waiver,'' about $120 million less than the program had been projected to cost.

The Legislature and APD have already whittled down that deficit, with steps such as cutting provider rates by 4 percent and freezing services unless developmentally disabled people are in crisis. Even with such changes, however, APD said in a Sept. 1 report that it needed to find another $55 million in savings.

If the agency goes over spending projections --- as it did in August --- the $55 million total would grow.

Hansen told lawmakers that APD is already moving forward with likely cuts, such as reducing payment rates for some types of services.

Also, it is considering moves such as requiring parents to help pay for services provided to their children. That move, which would use a sliding-fee scale based on income levels, would require federal approval.

Hansen said APD also hopes that longer-term efforts will help stem budget problems, such as a process to review what are known as "cost plans" that deal with the services people receive.

Bigger picture, however, Hansen and Baxley said they think lawmakers and the agency need to look at the program's core mission. Hansen said the state needs to protect people's health and safety, but at least part of the question is what other services it should provide.

Click here to post a comment.