Press Release: Federal Government Encourages States To Make Self-Directed Personal Care An Option For Disabled Medicaid Consumers Who Need Help At Home

A decade after first launching in three states, the National Cash & Counseling program announces the federal Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) has made it easier for all states to introduce a Cash & Counseling option. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services allows State Medicaid Programs to offer a “Cash & Counseling” State Plan Option without first obtaining a Federal Waiver. The change comes after evaluation found that Cash & Counseling improves quality of life, reduces unmet needs for care, and helps disabled consumers maintain health without costing Medicaid substantially more than traditional services.