Consumer Directed Option (CDO)

Enrollment now Open for Program Designed to Increase Service Options for Medicaid Members

KyHealth Choices Launches New Consumer-Directed Program Press Release Wednesday, October 11, 2006

CDO is a new option that is being offered for Kentucky Medicaid Waiver members who are currently receiving or become eligible to receive Home and Community Based waiver (HCB) services through Kentucky's Medicaid Waiver program.  CDO allow waiver members to choose who provides their non-medical waiver services which allows them greater freedom of choice, flexibility, and control over their supports and services.  Members can choose to direct all or some of their non-medical waiver services.

CDO became available for members receiving non-medical services through the HCB Waiver on September 30, 2006.

If you currently get services through the HCB waiver, you can contact your current Medicaid waiver case manager and let them know you want to enroll in CDO.  Your case manager will contact the Support Broker.  The Support Broker will contact you to arrange a time to meet with you.  They will help you enroll in CDO.

If you do not current get HCB waiver services, but think you might qualify, contact a Home Health Agency or Adult Day Health Center.

NOTE: CDO will be available for the Supports for Community Living (SCL) Waiver on November 30, 2006, and for the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver on January 30, 2007.

The local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA's) will act as Support Brokers for the CDO program.  Once you choose CDO, you will no longer have a case manager through the traditional agency.  The Support Broker will act as your case manager.  The Support Broker will assist you with:

• enrolling in CDO
• developing your plan of care and support spending plan
• locating service providers and negotiating rates
• supporting you in hiring, supervising and firing your employees
• coordinating with traditional providers
• transitioning back to traditional services if you choose to disenroll from CDO

• Will I be given a budget?
  Yes. You will be given a budget amount based on past service utilization.  The budget amount will be determined by Department for Medicaid Services (DMS).  The budget will be used by the member to negotiate rates with employees and complete the support spending plan.
• Who can I hire as my employee?
  You can hire some family, friends, neighbors and provider agencies.  The employee must be at least 18 years old and submit to a criminal background check.  The Support Broker will assist the member with hiring and training employees.
• How will my employees be paid?
  The Area Development Districts (ADD's) will be the Financial Management Agency for CDO in Kentucky.  The member will keep track of all the services done by their employee(s).  A timesheet will be submitted to the Support Broker showing what services were performed.  The Financial Management Agency will pay the member's employee(s) for providing these CDO services.  The Financial management Agency will make sure all state and federal laws are met such as withholding enough money to pay for taxes and other items.
• What training is required?
  Members, representatives, and employees must complete training on person centered planning and self-determination.  Training will be available on abuse/neglect/exploitation prevention, recognition and reporting. Employees must also complete training in First Aid and CPR.  The member can also require additional training related to their specific needs.

The member has a responsibility to:

• work with the Support Broker to develop of Plan of Care/Support Spending Plan and an emergency back-up plan
• hire, train, schedule and fire staff
• follow the Plan of Care/Support Spending Plan and keep within their budget
• choose a representative if needed or desired
• submit paperwork on time

The Support Broker will work with the member to transition back to traditional services.