Texas is home to more than 500,000 adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This legislative session will be very important to address specific changes happening within the IDD systems of care across the State.

​

Our system of care specific to IDD is currently undergoing changes in its service delivery system. One aspect of this change deals with a transition of IDD long term services and supports going from a traditional Medicaid model to a managed care model. Currently there are plans to pilot test this transition starting in September 2023. This is major change because  it may impact the monitoring role of targeted case management. Through targeted case management, services are monitored to insure continuity over time. Currently the IDD local authorities are providing the TCM service.

 

As Texas continues to grow there is a concern if the entire system of care across the State will grow to meet the increased need of services.  Many providers are also dealing with staffing shortages across the State which is making the situation much more difficult.  There is a possibility this will be addressed either directly or indirectly during this session.

​

During this session there will be a-lot of discussion on addressing the IDD population in regard to the new programs starting such as Individualized Skills and Socialization services.  The session started on January 10 and will end on May 29th.   I encourage all stakeholders to follow legislation specific to IDD services and supports and contact your designated legislator with any concerns you may have.  

​

A good resource to follow bills online can be found at this link, https://capitol.texas.gov.