Create 13,000 Jobs Serving People With I/DD
The bill allocates significant funding, including $134 million for 2025-2026 and $357 million for 2026-2027, to support this initiative. Each new Innovations Waiver slot can create 1.3 jobs in local communities, thereby stimulating economic activity and supporting local economies. Additionally, by allowing caregivers to return to work, the bill has broader implications for employment and economic stability for families. It effectively addresses both the immediate care needs of individuals with I/DD and the long-term economic benefits that arise from increased employment among caregivers.
Senate Bill 246, known as the 'Create 13,000 Jobs Serving People With I/DD', aims to address the pressing issue of waitlisted individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in North Carolina. The bill focuses on increasing the number of Medicaid Innovations Waiver slots by a total of 10,000 over the fiscal years 2025-2027. The Innovations Waiver is essential for providing critical services that enable roughly 15,000 individuals to remain in their home communities while allowing their families to participate in the workforce. Currently, there are approximately 19,000 individuals on the waiting list, which has more than doubled over the past decade, indicating urgent needs for reform and service expansion.
The sentiment surrounding SB246 appears to be largely positive, particularly among advocates and families affected by I/DD. Supporters argue that this bill is a vital step towards reducing waiting times for critical services, promoting independence for individuals with disabilities, and enhancing workforce participation. However, some concerns may arise regarding the adequacy of funding and implementation timelines, particularly regarding federal approval processes which could delay the distribution of waiver slots.
Despite the overall support, notable points of contention may involve the mechanics of distributing the waiver slots and ensuring that sufficient resources are channeled to providers adequately. There's also concern about the sustainability of funding in future fiscal years and the capacity of local management entities to deliver services effectively. As the bill requires the slots to be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, there may be arguments regarding the fairness and accessibility of this process, particularly for those who have been on the waiting list the longest.