Rhode Island's Cash & Counseling Program
Back to Interactive MapQuick Facts:
Program Name: PersonalChoice
Goals: To enable Medicaid recipients to direct their own services and supports by allowing the maximum flexibility of fund distribution to meet individual needs and preferences, while preserving necessary accountability to the state and federal governments
Target population: Adults with disabilities and elders who are eligible for Rhode Island's PARI and Elderly Medicaid Waivers and the RIDEA's Co-Pay Program initially
Future populations: Individuals eligible for the Aged and Disabled Waiver and the Habilitation Waiver
Area Served: Statewide
Waiver used: 1915 (c)
Lead agency: Rhode Island Department of Human Services, Center for Adult Health
Website: www.dhs.ri.gov
Questions and enrollment:
Lynda Giarrusso
Rhode Island Department of Human Services
600 New London Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
401-462-2127
lgiarrus@dhs.ri.gov
Program Activities:
Rhode Island's PersonalChoice program allows participants to exert great control over his/her individual waiver services. Participants receive a monthly budget based on his/her needs, and are able to use this money to hire personal assistants and purchase goods and services not normally covered by Medicaid in order to increase his/her personal independence or ability to access the community. Service advisors assist each participant in developing and monitoring their individual budget and Fiscal Intermediary services are available to handle all payroll and financial tasks. Participants have the option of appointing a representative to assist him/her in managing the program. Home Accessibility and Equipment Assessments as well as Health Status and Improvement Assessments are be available.
Enrollment for this program began in March 2006.