In this series, MediSked experts explain the latest transitions in the home and community-based services industry and what’s to come in the future of each state.
Today’s state
The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) is responsible for the oversight of Community Developmental Disability Organizations (CDDOs). Throughout the state, there are 27 CDDOs responsible for delivering care to 9,500 individuals. The average spending per year is $39,442 per person.
CDDOs are the single point of entry for an individual or family to obtain services through the developmental disabilities system in Kansas. CDDOs are responsible for determining whether a person qualifies for services, working with the person and/or the person’s family or guardian in choosing from service options and referring those persons to other agencies if additional supports are needed.
As well-manicured as the Kansas delivery model is, there are still 4,500 people on waiting lists to receive Medicaid-funded support waivers from the state, and the estimated wait time is nine years.[1] The state allocated $36 million in 2021, which represented a seven percent increase in IDD funding—the largest budget increase in Kansas history for IDD waiver services.
The challenge for Kansas is shared by most states, and the struggles over the past two years have shined a light on areas that have been long overlooked. These state plans look great on paper but if the money cannot reach the individuals, then it matters not. Yet, the situation is still not all doom and gloom—the budget allocation represents a major step in the future of the IDD population services in Kansas and gives hope that it will continue.
What they’ll need
As Kansas implements its funding increase for IDD services, they will need a software solution to centralize their data and report on quality in order to improve individual outcomes.
The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services can support care management activities and amplify oversight with MediSked’s robust reporting and business intelligence tools. Community Developmental Disability Organizations can manage waitlists, manage local service provider networks, and streamline care management activities with MediSked’s Solution Bundle for CDDOs. Provider agencies can gain efficiencies delivering person-centered services with centralized records at their fingertips and user-friendly planning and billing modules. MediSked is an associate member of Interhab and has a currently active project with a CDDO in Kansas. The MediSked Solution Suite is configurable, interoperable, and supports a modular health IT stack to promote cost savings and efficiency. Read more about our offerings for Kansas here!
