Wyoming Dept. of Health Proposing Changes to Disability Waivers

The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is planning a robust series of discussions about changes coming to programs offered for state residents with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries. Spokeswoman Kim Deti says currently the Wyoming Department of Health provides services through an “Adult Developmental Disabilities Waiver,” a “Child Developmental Disabilities Waiver” and an “Acquired Brain Injury Waiver” using a combination of state and federal Wyoming Medicaid dollars.

A law approved by the Wyoming Legislature and the governor earlier this year called for a redesign of current programs. Two new waivers are being developed: a capped “Supports Waiver” and a “Comprehensive Waiver.” Current waiver participants will be transitioned to the new waivers between January 2014 and July 2015.

Deti says the Wyoming Department of Health will hold a series of public forums beginning in April to discuss the waiver redesign effort. The forums will be held in the following locations:

•  Casper, April 4, 6:30-8 p.m., Parkway Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, Natrona and American rooms, 123 West E Street.
•  Gillette, April 10, 6:30-8 p.m., GCM 120 Presentation Hall - Gillette College, 300 West Sinclair.
•  Riverton, April 16, 6:30-8 p.m., Wind River Room 116 - Intertribal Center, Central Wyoming College, 2660 Peck Avenue.
•  Evanston, April 17, 6:30-8 p.m., Evanston High School Seminar Room, 701 West Cheyenne Drive.
•  Bridger Valley/Mountain View, April 18, 6:30-8 p.m., Uinta County School District #4 Board Room, 129 2nd Street.
•  Cheyenne, April 24, 6:30-8 p.m., Holiday Inn, South Fork and Shoshone ballrooms, 204 West Fox Farm Road.
•  Jackson, April 30, 4-5:30 p.m., Teton County Commissioners Chambers, County Admin Bldg, 200 South Willow.
•  Cody, May 1, 4-5:30 p.m., EOC Room in Park County Courthouse Addition basement, 1002 Sheridan Avenue.

For service providers two special forums are planned in Cheyenne on April 23rd.