June 2, 2015 (Salem) - Oregon Project Independence, an Oregon created program that has keep thousands of seniors able to stay in their own homes and off of Medicaid funded long term services and supports, has been able to serve people with disabilities for the first time in the program’s history.
Through funding from revisions in the Senior Medical Expense deduction made in the 2013 Special Legislative Session, a pilot project was initiated for Oregon Project Independence (OPI) to open up services for younger people with disabilities. Effective July 1, 2014, seven regions were selected to launch the pilot project for OPI services and included the counties of Benton, Clatsop, Jackson, Josephine, Lane, Linn, Lincoln, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Umatilla, Washington and Yamhill. An Advisory Council was established to guide the pilot project with representatives from consumer groups as well as stakeholders.
Services to individuals with disabilities began in the fall of 2014. To date, over 300 individuals are receiving services and the pilot is projected to serve over 400 by the end of the biennium, June 2015.
The OPI program, known for being a critical cost avoidance strategy, serves individuals at approximately $350 per month, which is a stark savings compared to Medicaid services ranging from $2,200 - $8,800 per month.
To maintain current services for individuals in the pilot, $6 million will be needed for the 15-17 biennium. While not included in the Governor’s Recommended Budget, the Co Chairs framework has indicated support for continuation of this pilot and inclusion of individuals with disabilities in Oregon Project Independence. Advocates are working to secure this funding and provide future stability for those receiving services and supports.
“The OPI Pilot to serve people with Disabilities is a significant and historical step for this program. OPI has shown to be not only cost effective but also helps individuals stay in their own homes, off of unnecessary or premature Medicaid services and maintain their independence. Legislative support for this Pilot in the 2015-17 biennium at $6 million will continue Oregon’s values of independence, dignity, choice and safety for people with disabilities,” commented Rodney Schroeder, Chair of O4AD, the Oregon Association of Area Agencies on Aging & Disabilities.
###
O4AD advocates to protect the independence, dignity, choice and safety of Oregon’s seniors and people with disabilities. Area Agencies on Aging & Disabilities, our members, provide long-term care services statewide including home delivered meals, ADRC services, Medicaid services in many areas and Oregon Project Independence statewide. O4AD’s members are responsible for service provision to the majority of seniors and people with disabilities in the state. www.o4ad.org
