The state has received an $18 million federally-funded ‘Money Follows the Person’ (MFP) 5-year grant to help people living in long-term care institutions return to their communities with the support they need. Most people who need long-term care prefer to live in their own homes. This grant helps people who wish to leave nursing facilities by funding expenses such as rent deposits and accessibility modifications not covered under Vermont Medicaid reimbursement policy.
‘Don’t ever give up’is the message Chris Gladu wants others to hear. Critically injured a year ago, Chris recently returned home to St Albans to live with his mother. With Money Follows the Person transition funds and other community supports, Chris said, ‘I feel very good and safe.’Chris’mother noted that this is the first time she has been able to sleep since the accident a year ago. ‘Even though I have to get up every two hours to roll him over, it’s still more peaceful to know that he is home and taken care of."
In 2011, U.S. Department of Health and Human Service awarded Vermont Money Follows the Person Demonstration Grant through the Affordable Care Act to remove barriers for 375 people who otherwise would be unable to leave a nursing facility. On May 1, 2012 Department of Disability, Aging & Independent Living (DAIL) rolled out MFP statewide, further expanding Vermont’s long-term care Medicaid services offered through Choices for Care.
Approximately 60 percent of adults receiving Vermont’s Choices for Care long-term Medicaid benefits are served in home-based and community settings. MFP and Vermont community partners are working to further expand person-centered services and create new housing options. All people receiving Vermont Medicaid and living in a nursing facility are welcome to apply for Money Follows the Person. MFP has begun statewide outreach in Washington, Windsor and Windham in counties where a higher percentage of Medicaid-eligible individuals remain in nursing homes.
Source: 9.6.2012. Money Follows the Person, Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living located in Williston Vermont.