Cutrona Spearheading Streamlined Self-Direction Services for Better Health Outcomes

State Rep. Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) has introduced legislation to give further choices and support for Medicaid self-direction services.

“While those self-directing often have better health outcomes and access to services, Ohio is falling behind in the people choosing to participate in self-direction services,” Cutrona said. “The goal with this bill is to modernize and streamline the regulations behind self-direction to encourage more residents to pursue this program, which will result in more efficient and effective health options and accessibility.”

Self-directed Medicaid services give participants decision-making authority over certain services and take direct responsibility to manage their services with the assistance of a system of available supports. Specifically, self-direction promotes personal choice and control over the delivery of waiver and state plan services, including who provides the services and how services are provided.

Currently, 1.2 million individuals self-direct in America. Medicaid funds most self-direction, and other funding sources include the Veterans Administration and individuals privately paying.  

One of Ohio Medicaid’s’ goals has been to increase the number of individuals self-directing in Medicaid waiver programs, and the state has improved its overall rank in the AARP Scorecard, which is a national study, conducted each year, that measures progress with long-term services and how states offer access to services. 

Representative Cutrona has introduced this legislation and is awaiting its first hearing.