KEVIN HOFFMAN
AUG 22, 2014
UCP study details state’s shortcomings for serving disabled citizens.
Illinois–for the eighth year in a row– ranked near the bottom on an annual study that measures how well each state’s Medicaid programs serve residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD).
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) announced the findings in its 2014 report, “The Case for Inclusion,” which assesses states that offer the best and worst services for those with ID/DD. The amount of spending on Medicaid is not a factor.
“The Case for Inclusion shows how well each individual state is performing overall; how each state matches up against other states regarding key data measures; and, most importantly, the top performing states with policies and practices that should be replicated,” according to the report.
UCP graded all 50 states, including the District of Columbia, on the following five categories to come up with overall rankings:
- Promoting independence
- Tracking health, safety and quality of life
- Keeping families together
- Promoting productivity
- Reaching those in need
And the bottom, where you will find Illinois, once again:
Here’s how Illinois’ ranked for each category:
- Promoting independence: 49
- Tracking health, safety and quality of life: 11
- Keeping families together: 47
- Promoting productivity: 36
- Reaching those in need: 43
Illinois consistently has made the bottom of the list since UCP began the study. It also was one of 12 states that did not meet the 80/80 community standard, “which means that at least 80 percent of all individuals with ID/DD are served in the community and 80 percent of all resources spent on those with ID/DD are for community support,” according to the report.
Clearly, Illinois is in need of some improvement. This report is designed to track each state’s progress and provide policymakers with a better understanding of the changes that need to be made.
ADVOCATES should use this information to educate other advocates,
providers, families and individuals, policymakers and state administrations
on key achievements and areas needing improvement within each state.
The facts and figures can support policy reforms and frame debates about
resource allocation for the ID/DD population. Advocates can also use the
information to prioritize those areas that need the most immediate attention
and use the facts to support adequate and ongoing funding to maintain
high quality outcomes, eliminate waiting lists and close large institutions.ELECTED OFFICIALS should use this report as a guiding document on which
issues and states need time and attention and, possibly, additional resources
or more inclusive state policies to improve outcomes for individuals with
intellectual and developmental disabilities.THOSE WITHIN FEDERAL AND STATE ADMINISTRATIONS should use this report
to put their work and accomplishments in context and to chart a course for
the next focus area in the quest for continuous improvement and improved
quality of life. The states should replicate this data reporting in more detail
at the state and county level to identify areas of excellence and to target
critical issues needing attention.
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