Kansas lawmakers have successfully reduced the number of people waiting for disability waivers after implementing measures to address the stagnant waitlists during the 2024 legislative session. More than 5,300 people were on the intellectual disability waiver waitlist, and over 2,300 on the physical disability waiver waitlist, with a combined decrease of 1,900 people as of Oct. 10. To address this issue, the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services contracted the University of Kansas Center on Disabilities to increase capacity and better assess the needs of those on the waiting lists.
Lawmakers capped the number of people on the waitlists, leading to positive results. With a cap of 6,800 people, around 4,500 are on the intellectual disability waitlist, and just over 1,000 on the physical disability waitlist. Efforts to eliminate the waitlists for intellectual and developmental disability waivers are underway, aiming to provide services to those in need in a timely manner.
Potential solutions proposed include ensuring minimal support for those on the waiting lists to maintain their health and stay connected with them. Most people on the waitlists are covered under Medicaid, and steps are being taken to address their immediate care needs.
Although progress has been made, much remains unknown about those on the waitlists. Continued efforts are required to track and address the needs of individuals waiting for disability waivers. With ongoing commitment and improvements, Kansas aims to provide prompt and adequate services to those with disabilities in need.
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Photo credit kansasreflector.com