Key initiatives for advancing independence for those with disabilities will be advanced at the Minnesota Legislature this year, says the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities.
The group, made up of 100 organizations that represent persons with disabilities, providers and advocates, has outlined its 2013 legislative agenda:
- Reform 2020 — As the operational details of Reform 2020 are further developed during the 2013 session, MN-CCD will support specific components of this redesign initiative that increase access to high quality services for Minnesotans with disabilities in the areas of employment supports, Community First Services and Supports, increased coordination of acute and long term care services, self-directed services, and the Demonstration of Innovative Approaches to Service Coordination for Children.
- Disability Waiver Rate System — Fundamental components of the Disability Waiver Rate System are expected to advance during the 2013 legislative session and MN-CCD will support system components that preserve the ability of organizations to provide critical disability services including health and long term care services, employment supports and increased residential options.
- State Health Care Reforms— Minnesota will move forward with a variety of state health care reforms during the 2013 legislative session, and MN-CCD will work to ensure that the critical health care needs of the disability community are reflected in these reforms through the inclusion of specific services in the Health Insurance Exchange essential benefit set and the advancement of the recommendations of the Care Integration and Payment Reform work group.
- Specific Policy Changes — MN-CCD will support additional policy changes that will advance the independence of Minnesotans with disabilities, including a repeal of the 20% PCA Relative Rate Cut; increased coverage of autism services; specific Olmstead recommendations; increased access to non-emergency medical transportation and other public transportation options; reduced use of prone restraints and increased bullying prevention measures in schools; a narrowed list of “unallowable” items under the CDCS program; improvements to the state’s special education system; and strengthened quality assurance measures and individual choice within our service system.