Accommodations Fund Through CFC/MMARS

I found out that the state denied my request for funding to make some accommodations around my home through the CFC program. I was asked for items as remote door looks, door opener/closer, and a Bidet` toilet seat.  I was told we get $1,500.00 over 5 years to making living accommodations, but now they stating that this funding has to be medically related items. As they requested, I had an OT come for an environmental assessment and recommendations, not a medical one. I am waiting for the official denial letter.  I hope it gives me examples of what the item this funding could be used for.

I would at least think at least think a bidet toilet seat would fall under a medical  issue. I mean if you cannot keep base clean, it could lead to soars and infects.  I am meeting with my MMAR's person Thursday to see what my options are for appealing their decision.  I wonder if they had change they rule in the mist of play, because too many people were dipping into this pot?  have any of you other client of CFC/MMARS found your solves in the same predicament?

Below you will find a copy of the COMMA "laws" that my request for home was denied by.  To me, it seems more of a catch 22, they want you to be more independent, but only if you don't have people around to help you.

Rest easy Lenny. A legend gained his wings.

Source

Farewell Baltimore Batman. We had the privledge to be amongst the sea of people today, to hear about the man behind the mask at his funeral. What we learned was that Lenny was just as facinating as his alter ego. A man very dedicated to bringing a difference in community and had the personality that matched his bank account. The countless children with grave illnesses he gave hope to was so exceptional. News crew were all aligned like the big dipper from various states and countries. Lenny's story reached so many miles and for this alone, I have such gratitude. Let Lenny's 'Batmans' light all give us enough encouragement to do "more" in our communities. A quote from his funeral today-certainly there will be imposters and our hope is that each of us provides more for others BUT make no mistake...NO one will ever replace Lenny, ever!

Rest easy Lenny. A legend gained his wings.

Montgomery aims to make all taxicabs wheelchair accessible by 2025

Link

This also address my question about an extra charge for Uber and Lyft.
The council also approved a 25 cent surcharge on Uber, Lyft and other transportation network services that start in the county. The funds will be used to help offset the costs of purchasing and retrofitting an accessible taxicab and facilitate the delivery of accessible taxicab services in the county.

Posted by King Gimp - Dan Keplinger on Thursday, August 13, 2015

PWDs Time Valuable Too

Maybe Gov. Hogan can finally fix MTA Mobility, I started using the service  when was 18 and now I am 42 and they use the same story for 23 years. We have a hour of window to pick up the client, do they understand a hour of waiting is even a hour waisted for PWDs. Most of all, it could be the different between missing your PCA and getting settled for the night.
While we were at Make Studio Friday, there were  two Artists that had to wait for at least an hour to be pick up. I can imagine how frustrating that is to spend the day creating art, getting to your Zen place and all of that can be undone because your ride cannot be on time or find the place.

Medical Management and Rehabilitation Services in Maryland

For those in Maryland, we are going through a change with how the PCA program is handled by Medicaid. The program used to be setting up just with a State  nurse who would deal with your whole case and come see you and your attendant 3 times a year.
Now the State is using a third party to have cases managed, http://www.mmars.com/ I think some how its suppose to improve services and save the state some money. Now PCAs can get paid by the day, or by the hour. Also when they arrive at your home, they need to call in to help cut down on fraud. I was also told, if there was money left in my budget, I could use it to make accommodations.

With all new things there are pluses and minuses, so we will just wait and see. I just hope, this is not as mess up as the New Directions Waiver, the more I heard about that the more garlic I put on.

Medical Assistance Personal Care Services Changes

Today I had my quarterly meeting with my nurse from Medical Assistance Personal Care Services program from Baltimore County Department of Health, Bureau of Community Health Services.  She informed me that there are big changes coming to this program in the next year. To me how she explained it, the program sounds more of a waiver deal and there will be a few ways to manage the funds. I could keep it as now and manage the funds myself, or go with an agency to help mange the funds.  The big change will be that my PCA will be pay hourly, instead of a flat rate per day.  If there are funds left in the budget they could be used to  make accommodations around your house, or buy adoptive equipment.

Has anyone else heard about this? As with anything it sounds good in idea, but there are always bugs to work out. Just as when everyone got excited about the New direction waiver, as a way to give the recipients more control of their lives'. it was a good idea until you saw the break down of the funds and percentage really went to one's care.  When I looked into it, I had more questions then answers.