OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has reversed his decision on proposed cuts to home care waivers for older adults and individuals with disabilities, advocating for long-term care to be delivered at home rather than institutional settings.
This change follows significant public concern from family caregivers, who expressed confusion and frustration after the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) originally planned to reduce the hours of care for families who provide essential support to medically needy relatives.
What we know
- Governor Pillen’s DHHS had previously allowed 112 paid hours a week for caregivers, which was set to be reduced to 40 hours.
- The proposed cuts aimed to save costs, as the state’s expenses on the waiver program had risen by 300 percent over the past decade.
- A public comment period on these revisions will be open from February 2 to March 4.
What’s still unclear
Details are limited in the source reporting so far regarding specific guidelines on the revisions and how they will affect existing caregivers.
What this means
The governor’s reversal is likely to alleviate some immediate concerns among family caregivers who rely on these waivers for long-term support, potentially allowing more families to care for their loved ones at home rather than seeking institutional alternatives.
This development may also lead to ongoing discussions about funding and managing the state’s home care services, as rising costs remain a significant issue.
What to watch next
Updates on public feedback during the comment period and any subsequent decisions from the governor’s office regarding the waivers will be crucial to follow in the coming weeks.
Original source: Open the source
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