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APACE reports growth, warns of tight state funding as county approves interlocal
Summary
APACE, the largest provider of developmental‑disability services in Nebraska, told Gage County supervisors on May 14 that it serves roughly 710 individuals statewide and expects a tight budget year without new Medicaid rate increases, while Gage County approved an interlocal agreement with the agency.
Matt Kossick, chief executive officer of APACE, told the Gage County Board on May 14 that APACE supports about 710 people across southeast Nebraska and employs roughly 770 staff; in Gage County it supports about 50 individuals and 63 employees, including 10 shared‑living providers.
Kossick said APACE did not request county funding this year and is primarily funded through Medicaid, but warned the organization expects a difficult upcoming budget year. He said one‑time funds received this year will not be repeated and that current draft state budgets do not include broad Medicaid rate increases for providers; without new ongoing funds APACE projects a roughly $1.6 million shortfall to balance the coming year’s budget.
Kossick described a state initiative to “end the wait list” for developmental disability services. He said budgeted additions for the wait‑list initiative amount to roughly $12,000 per new person whereas APACE’s average per‑person revenue is nearer $81,000 per year, meaning expanded access may come with smaller per‑person funding than current service levels.
APACE also reported local investments in housing and group homes in the region, and said the agency’s bylaws and interlocal agreement had been updated; the board voted to place APACE’s annual report on file and to approve an interlocal agreement between Gage County and APACE. The motion to place the APACE report on file passed 5-0 and the interlocal agreement was approved unanimously.
Kossick and supervisors also discussed APACE’s evolving service model, including a shift toward more shared‑living providers and fewer institutional group homes as state policy and funding evolve.
What’s next: Supervisors voted to accept the APACE annual report and approved the interlocal agreement; Kossick said APACE will continue to monitor state budget activity and alert counties to any requests for local support.
