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CONTACT: Stephanie Marquis, 608-266-1683
JEFFERSON COUNTY ENTERS INTO FAMILY CARE
MADISON - Secretary Karen Timberlake today announced
the launch of Family Care in Jefferson County. Family Care will provide
more choices and improved access to health and long-term care services for
hundreds of seniors and people with disabilities in the area.
"Family Care will give senior citizens and disabled individuals in
Jefferson County the option of receiving the long-term care they need
within their homes or communities," said Secretary Timberlake.
"This initiative improves health care quality and access, saves
taxpayers money and, most importantly, it keeps people healthy and
independent. We are pleased to have Care Wisconsin in this program."
Secretary Timberlake was joined by Karen Musser, Chief Executive
Officer of Care Wisconsin, Family Care members, community leaders,
advocates and service providers to celebrate the occasion.
Jefferson County and Care Wisconsin are a part of the Family
Partnership Care Management Coalition (FPCMC), one of the public/private
partnerships to receive a planning grant for long-term care reform from
Governor Jim Doyle and the Department.
"We are proud to be part of Family Care in Jefferson County,"
said Musser. "This is a positive step forward to ensuring that frail
seniors, adults with developmental disabilities and adults with physical
disabilities get access to quality services when they need them and don't
go on a waitlist."
Care Wisconsin started Family Care in Jefferson County on September 1,
2008. Initial members will include 168 individuals who have been waiting
for services in Jefferson County and more than 570 individuals who have
been participating in Jefferson County's Medicaid waiver programs. All
current Medicaid waiver participants will transition to Family Care by
January 1, 2009. Persons previously on waitlists should receive services
within 24 months.
Family Care provides an entitlement to long-term care, using Medicaid
dollars flexibly and not just earmarking dollars for nursing home care.
While Wisconsin has been a national leader in offering community-based
alternatives to nursing home care, about 11,000 people remain on waitlists
for community care statewide.
Family Care currently operates in 21 counties throughout the state. In
an independent assessment of four counties, Family Care saved an average
of $452 per person, per month in total Medical Assistance expenditures.
The program will expand to at least 38 counties by early 2009.
For more information about Family Care in Jefferson County, call
toll-free 1-866-740-2372 or visit the Aging and Disability Resource Center
at 1541 Annex Road in Jefferson. For general information about Family
Care, go to http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/LTCare/
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Last Revised: October 24, 2008 |
