2024 Supported Issues
MSSA supports efforts related to the following issues
Invest in Rural Transportation Options to Support Client Care
MSSA supports efforts to ensure affordable and sufficient non-emergency medical transportation options, especially for those who are ill, those with disabilities, and older adults. In 2024, MSSA will focus on increasing the reimbursement rates for higher levels (4-7) of non-emergency medical transportation.
Increase the Emergency General Assistance (EGA) Funding Allocation
MSSA supports investment in the state's Emergency General Assistance (EGA) program. EGA, a state program administered by counties to help adults without children resolve one-time emergencies, is itself facing an emergency situation: because of the way the current statute is written, and due to an influx of federal emergency funding during the Covid-19 pandemic, a number of counties have had their funding for EGA slashed for fiscal years 2023-2024.
Increase Waiver Rates for Case Management
MSSA supports efforts to raise disability waiver reimbursement rates for case managers. There has not been a reimbursement rate increase for case managers since 2015. Additionally, keeping wages competitive is necessary for hiring and retaining case managers. High turnover rates can cause critical disruption of care for clients and families and sometimes occurs in the middle of progress on major service changes. Education and work experience requirements for case managers also make it difficult to hire and retain staff, leaving many contracted agencies understaffed, thus lowering the quality of services provided.
Invest in Transitional Moving Services
MSSA supports adequate transitional moving services funding for those with disabilities. Transitional Moving Services currently provides those on disability waivers with the opportunity to receive $3,000 to use towards physical movers, furniture, and household goods. Individuals may apply for these funds once every three years. There is currently no set provider rate, which means reimbursement is variable and makes it difficult to reliably provide the service. Furthermore, $3,000 is not enough to cover a security deposit and basic living and moving expenses. This amount has never been increased since the program's inception in 2005.