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Disability and Aging contract renewal approved; committee limits additional funding to existing budget
Summary
The Fiscal Review Committee approved a one‑year renewal for the Department of Disability and Aging’s contract with AbleLink to support the MAPS program, but the motion approved limited the department to using existing budgeted funds rather than adding new appropriations at the committee’s action.
The Fiscal Review Committee approved a one‑year renewal of the Department of Disability and Aging’s contract with AbleLink smart living technologies for the Medicaid Alternative Pathways to Independence Support (MAPS) program on June 4. The MAPS program provides technology and coaching intended to help transition‑age youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities build independent‑living skills.
Why it matters: the department described MAPS as a pilot focused on 15‑ to 22‑year‑olds still in school, with the objective of reducing long‑term dependence on Medicaid long‑term services and supports. Department testimony noted nearly 600 participants in the program and projected potential long‑term savings if participants diverted from more intensive LTSS services.
What the committee decided: the department requested an amendment to increase the contract’s maximum liability by about $1.74 million and extend the contract for one year. Senator Gardiner (presiding) moved to approve the extension but not to add new money at committee action, stating the department should use funds already in hand. The committee approved the extension under that motion; committee transcript records show the motion passed by voice vote.
Committee discussion: Representative Shaw and Senator Campbell asked about program performance and scale. Deputy commissioner Jordan Allen and department staff said enrollment has grown to nearly 600 participants, the program has doubled enrollment since inception, and each diversion from LTSS could represent several million dollars in lifetime savings to taxpayers. Staff said each participant’s enrollment is limited to three years.
Follow‑up and reporting: staff indicated they will return to the committee if the department requests additional funding beyond existing budgeted amounts; members asked for enrollment and outcome updates as the pilot scales.
Speakers and attributions are taken from the committee transcript.
