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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 14, 2012 |
CONTACT: Melanie Mowry Etters Communications Director (850) 488-4257 |
Things to Know about iBudget Florida
Tallahassee -The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is implementing the final funding component of the iBudget Florida program for its customers in the Panhandle by April 1.
Customers who will have an adjustment in their cost plans based on the iBudget allocation methodology will have a personal meeting with their waiver support coordinator (WSC). Additional meetings will be held with the local APD office to discuss any issues affecting an individual’s services.
An individual review of each customer’s cost plan will be held prior to a final allocation being determined. While some APD customers in Areas I and 2 may have received an email indicating a final budget amount had been determined, the agency and WSC are still conducting individual reviews to determine the final budget allocation.
The iBudget allocation methodology will consider the individual’s characteristics based on the QSI assessment, as well as the individual’s living setting, availability of natural supports, family circumstances, and other factors that may affect the level of service needed by the individual.
A major benefit of the iBudget Florida is that customers may move money from one service to another to meet their needs. Customers may make new choices throughout the year and iBudget gives them the flexibility to shift funds. If funding is reduced for one service, customers may choose to reprioritize their services and move money back to that service from another approved service.
The April 1 transition will include APD customers living in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, Calhoun, Jackson, Washington, Holmes, Franklin, Leon, Wakulla, Gadsden, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Jefferson counties.
Consumer Directed Care Plus customers in the Panhandle will meet with their consultants prior to a July 1 implementation date to discuss their iBudget allocation methodology.
iBudget Florida is designed to make the funding process fair and equitable for all Medicaid waiver customers. WSCs will assist customers and their families in managing service approvals and other aspects of the program using an online Web-based system.
If you have questions about iBudget, contact your local APD office or visit iBudgetFlorida.org. For more information on the agency, visit APDcares.org or call toll-free 1-866-APD-CARES (1-866-273-2273).