01/09/2024
Parents of children that receive DDA services - We have a Bill: HB 2184!!!
This year, the Washington State Legislature is ready to help thousands of parents with developmentally disabled children by making natural, adoptive, and stepparents of children under the age of 18 eligible to be paid caregivers!
HB 2184 HAS BEEN FILED AND WILL BE HEARD THIS WEDNESDAY!
Currently, in Washington State, Medicaid-eligible children under the age of 18 who receive caregiver support through Community First Choice cannot hire their natural, adoptive, or stepparents to be paid caregivers. However, Medicaid-eligible adults over 18 who receive caregiver support through Community First Choice can hire their natural, adoptive, or stepparents to be paid caregivers.
Because of the well-documented caregiver shortages in our state and in our country, and because of the pervasive lack of accommodations and supports in childcare and school settings, parenting a developmentally disabled child means that at least one parent must dedicate their entire day toward providing basic caregiving supports to their child for 18 years of the child’s life.
Now, we need your help!
Read the bill here, sign up for updates and PLEASE scroll down and click on the option to “comment to your legislators” and “submit written testimony.” Also, submit your response as “pro” on the legislative record.
https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?billnumber=2184&year=2024&fbclid=IwAR3K6ulgxQ_Xcl_hDH3WGSZTDnz7jwnKkWwbdfRHm3tDAjsLxghJCmwPjFM
We will need all hands on deck to spread the word, build momentum and educate legislators on why this bill matters.
I wish they may, I wish they might, pass this bill without a fight!
