In a significant move to support families with children who have developmental disabilities, the Senate Human Services Committee discussed a new bill that would allow parents to be compensated for providing personal care services to their minor children. Currently, parents are unable to receive payment for these essential services through the Developmental Disability Administration (DDA).

Under the proposed legislation, the DDA is required to submit waiver requests to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid by January 1, 2026. This will enable parents who provide extraordinary care to their children to receive payment for their services. The bill defines extraordinary care as personal care that goes beyond what a parent would typically provide for a child without disabilities, ensuring that the health and welfare of these children are prioritized.

The bill also outlines that parental caregivers can be employed as individual providers, but payment for extraordinary care will only be available as a waiver service. Other personal care services provided by non-parent caregivers will continue under the community first choice option.

The fiscal implications of this bill are notable, with an estimated cost of $7.07 million for the 2025-2027 biennium and $23.46 million for the 2027-2029 biennium. The DDA estimates that there are approximately 1,017 clients who could benefit from this change, with around 160 currently not on waiver services.

This legislation aims to alleviate the financial burden on families caring for children with disabilities, allowing them to receive the support they need while ensuring their children receive the necessary care. As the bill progresses, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on families and the broader community.