Medicaid wavier and transportation...How do you change the law?

Our tax dollars don't do squat for us re: disabled. Thanks for your comment. Where do you live? I'll use the city/state for reference in letters to senators if ok with you.

I would actually start, locally. Since some local areas cover more than the state, and since it is sometimes easier to change things in your own area, go to your local city/county and find out how to get to town council or county government meetings for this.

I'm not sure how it all works, but I think the local transportation is really special to my area, where the local area takes the local tax dollars for this type of transportation and, as such, would be the ones to put your case to, if your area is similar.

not in columbus ohio...senior help is for them. mrdd help is for them. too bad those with physical and/or mental disabilities. no one will listen...so I intend to rock the boat and hope WE don't get pushed off the boat!!! you know ....

Some places the area agency on aging does actually do things for younger people too. It certainly is not fair at all.

ahhh she is NOT a senior. that is the problem!! mentally ill and some physical disabilities....cannot get the gold standard the seniors or the MRDD get. MRDD can go to the moves but my daughter can't get a ride to the pharmacy!!! only doctors office. How can she get meds filled if she can't get transportation? It's TERRIBLE! NOT FAIR!

Hi, Lynneat: I do not see where you and your daughter live. What is your daughter's age, under or 65 or older? Check with an attorney for the laws about transportation for people with disabilities in your area.

Have you checked with local Senior Centers and Agencies on Aging? Many of them offer special rates for elderly and disabled. Have you a City Council? Come up with a simple statement and ask it "Hi, I'm hoping you can help me or point me in the direction of someone who can. I have an adult daughter who lives in ___________ She has a physical disability and some cognitive disability issues. Do you have or know of a low cost transportation service than can take her to and from appointments or for shopping?" Say it nicely and then just wait. The responder will either have information for you or not. Write down what they say and move forward. You could also check local organizations for specific medical conditions such as Cerebral Palsy for example and ask what they provide and do they know of similar transportation available for your daughter. You may be starting too high in your request for help. Start within your community, city, county, area agencies, etc. Even try large hospitals in the area as they normally know which services are available to bring in elderly for treatment such as Dial a Ride, or Paratransport.

In RI I pay for Ride which handles transportation for those like myself with walker etc.. I do not get Medicaid for anything because I make $360 SS a year extra cause I worked till age 76.. I spend about $20 a week on transportation. Could you pay a fee or is that not available in your state? Also had much difficulty trying to get car sticker in my state. Oliveoyl

If you could move to Arkansas, our state covers that! Our DD definition leaves much to be desired though. Are there any waiver programs that would help?

No one responded but I contacted a senator and he told me that I need to start with a state senators office.