Tristan Rovito, a 25-year-old with autism and low vision, recently moved into a group home, relieving his mother Becky Bowling of caregiver duties that had become unsustainable. Rovito’s story sheds light on the challenges faced by adults with autism and intellectual disabilities in Pennsylvania as they wait for Medicaid waivers that cover services essential for their daily lives.
The state is currently facing a backlog of nearly 13,000 adults waiting for these waivers, with the typical wait time being 2.6 years. Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget includes $78 million to increase the number of waiver slots by 1,500, aiming to reduce wait times and provide crucial services to those in need.
However, even with Medicaid waivers, providers struggle to recruit and retain direct support professionals due to low wages. Shapiro is pushing for a 12% rate increase for these providers to improve pay, retention, and recruitment efforts. This issue is crucial for ensuring access to quality care for individuals like Rovito, whose quality of life depends on the support and services provided by these professionals.
As Rovito settles into his new group home, his mother is relieved but also concerned about the future. With her own aging in mind, she worries about who will advocate for her son once she can no longer do so. The challenges faced by families like the Bowlings highlight the urgent need for increased funding and support for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities in Pennsylvania.
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Photo credit www.spotlightpa.org