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Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Commentary: Funding to Southern Wisconsin Center is outrageous : institution for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities : July 2011

In June, the state biennial budget significantly increased allocations for Southern Wisconsin Center, a state-run institution for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With this move, Wisconsin takes a step back to the shameful days of institutionalization. The decision jeopardizes the rights of people with disabilities to access quality community-based services guaranteed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision in Olmstead v. L.C.

The new state budget punitively positions SWC in Dover against private providers. Inconsistent with Gov. Scott Walker's promise of "frugality and moderation," SWC is set to receive nearly an additional $18 million in funding, as well as 104 new staff positions.

In the past biennium state budget, SWC allocations were reduced to meet the state's directive to downsize the facility. However, SWC, with a current population of more than 260 residents, did not downsize. This failure to comply with the state's mandate has been overlooked and SWC is now receiving additional funding and staff positions. I believe this is a waste of taxpayer money and a flagrant disregard for the available capacity that exists with private providers dedicated to community-based service delivery.

In preparing the 2011-13 budget, the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services sought input for "cost savings and other ways to improve Wisconsin's Medicaid program." Bethesda Lutheran Communities, a national provider of services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities headquartered in Watertown, presented viable ways services could be delivered at both its Watertown campus and in community-based settings. This plan, honoring the choices of people and families for services they desire, would save taxpayers in excess of $22 million and help reduce the SWC population.

Unfortunately, this proposal was dismissed and multiple attempts to speak with state legislators about supportive efforts to downsize SWC were ignored.

SWC is paid about $650 per day, per person by the state. To illustrate how this high cost affects private providers, Bethesda allocates approximately $375 per day for delivering the same services with greater efficiency. Of that figure, the state pays Bethesda about $220. The remainder of the bill is covered by the generosity of donors, accounting for a $1.5 million annual shortfall.

This is catastrophic for Bethesda and other private providers who for years have been forced to successfully operate with integrity and quality despite restrictive and challenging reimbursement rates.

The funding to SWC is outrageous. For Wisconsin to continue this institutional model and funding flies in the face of best practice, financial reality and sensibility. Eleven states, including our neighboring states of Minnesota and Michigan, have completely eliminated state-run institutions. Several other states, including Illinois are currently being targeted by the U.S. Department of Justice for violations related to their institutional bias.

I support Medicaid reform and acknowledge the current system is not sustainable. However, I cannot understand how the State of Wisconsin can continue to exacerbate the current budget situation by maintaining these large, unnecessary and expensive institutions. This action contradicts Gov. Walker's claim to reduce state allocations where services can be met by private sector entities.

Founded in 1904, Bethesda has a long history and exemplarily record of achievement in the field of serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are ready and committed to help Wisconsin achieve greater control, flexibility, innovation and effectiveness over the use of scarce financial resources for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

To deny access to services and supports for individuals who choose to live in the community, opting instead to add nearly $18 million to SWC, is a clear bias towards an outdated and segregated support setting, and something dangerously close to violating federal law.

John E. Bauer is president and CEO of Bethesda Lutheran Communities, headquartered in Watertown. Established in 1904, Bethesda Lutheran Communities provides services and supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 13 states and seven countries. Bethesda serves nearly 2,000 people in residential settings, as well as thousands of people with disabilities through supported-living programs, employment assistance, camps and outreach services.

# AS posted by JournalTimes.com; July 26 2011
Read more: http://www.journaltimes.com/news/opinion/editorial/article_7734b1a4-b719-11e0-b01c-001cc4c03286.html#ixzz1TGTpP0nn

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