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Project Abstract

Kitchener, M., Ng, T., Willmott, M., Harrington, C. (2005) The Washington Medicaid State Plan Personal Care Services Program. Center for Personal Assistance Services, University of California, San Francisco, CA.

Abstract

This case study of the Washington state Medicaid Personal Care Services (PCS) program highlights eight better practices. First, the PCS program benefits from the State’s single point of entry system for all Medicaid home and community-based services including PCS, personal care in waiver programs, and other long-term care services. Second, the PCS program serves all categories of eligible clients including those with physical and mental disabilities, the aged, children, and adults with developmental disabilities. Third, the services allowed under the PCS program are broad in scope and may be provided in the home, at work, and at school. Fourth, the state included stakeholders within strategic planning related to the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision which focused on designing a consumer directed system with choice that utilizes PCS as one of core programs. Fifth, the PCS program has a single comprehensive assessment tool and process for all clients who need long term care services.

Sixth, the PCS program is managed using a uniform database that includes all the assessment information, services authorized and received, and other information important for case management. Seventh, a fast track system can expedite both financial eligibility and needs assessment. Finally, the Washington PCS program has well developed quality controls and oversight. Overall, the Washington PCS program appears to be an excellent program model with better practices that could be used by other states.

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