State Rep. Tammy Nuccio Asks the Tough Questions: CT Advocates Call Out DSS Over 5-Year Waitlist, Rising Concerns Abo… — 2024-10-25 aaf9a869

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ABI Resources shared a post to the group: Brain Injury Community of Connecticut. BICC.

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State Rep. Tammy Nuccio Asks the Tough Questions: CT Advocates Call Out DSS Over 5-Year Waitlist, Rising Concerns About Care Quality and Dropping LCSW qualifications. In a recent hearing, State Representative Tammy Nuccio stood out as a powerful voice, posing difficult questions to Connecticut’s Department of Social Services (DSS) about the ongoing issues within the Medicaid ABI Waiver Program. Advocates have long stressed that while DSS and the Connecticut General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee have acknowledged problems for years, actionable solutions have yet to be implemented. ❗ Why the Delay in Real Solutions? Families and individuals in need are left waiting for services for over five years, raising concerns about the motives behind the delay in program improvements. Many are beginning to ask whether Connecticut's Medicaid system, focused on cost-cutting, might be creating profit at the expense of quality care. ⚠️ A Shift in Care Management: Licensed, master’s-level clinical social workers, who are trained to understand the complexity of brain injuries, are expressing alarm as signs point to a trend of replacing experienced professionals with less-qualified care managers. This change, advocates argue, appears to benefit Connecticut’s community care management programs financially, but it puts vulnerable individuals at risk of receiving lower-quality care. 🚫 DSS Commissioner’s Absence: Notably absent from the hearing was DSS Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves, appointed by Governor Ned Lamont. Advocates and families found the absence disheartening as it signaled a lack of prioritization for addressing these critical issues. 📢 Support the Call for Change! ➡️ Comment Below: Share your thoughts or personal experiences with the ABI Waiver Program. ➡️ Tag Friends and Family: Spread awareness and build support for the cause. ➡️ Follow for Updates: Stay informed on legislative actions and Rep. Nuccio’s ongoing advocacy. It’s time to bring accountability to Connecticut’s Medicaid programs, ensuring that those in need receive the skilled, compassionate support they deserve. A Heartfelt Thank You to State Rep. Tammy Nuccio On behalf of all families, advocates, and individuals affected by Connecticut’s Medicaid Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver Program, thank you, Rep. Tammy Nuccio, for asking the difficult questions that truly matter. Your determination to hold DSS accountable and insist on real answers speaks volumes about your commitment to those in need. Your advocacy—especially for the quality and integrity of care for vulnerable individuals—is not only inspiring but necessary. By addressing the growing concerns over lengthy wait times and shifts in care standards, you give a voice to those who often feel unheard. Your leadership in shining a light on these issues reassures us all that there are champions like you working toward genuine solutions. We are grateful for your compassion, dedication, and strength in demanding transparency and prioritizing people over profit. Thank you for standing with us, Rep. Nuccio. We look forward to seeing the positive changes your efforts will bring. With heartfelt appreciation, #ABIWAIVER #connecticutmedicaid #QualityCare #advocacymatters #RepTammyNuccio #dssaccountability #healthcarereform #disabilitysupport #braininjuryawareness #supportabi #tollandct #Connecticut #CGA #Mediciad