PURPOSE

To understand what is meant by individualized funding and budgeting in the My Voice My Choice waiver option, the role of a Fiscal Employer Agent (FEA), and the responsibilities of the adult, the Support Broker, and the Circle of Support in developing and using the individualized budget.

1. Define the concepts of Individualized Funding, Budgeting and

    Fiscal Management Services (FMS).
2. Explain the path of money management from the plan, to the

    Fiscal Employer Agent to traditional and non-traditional

    community supports.
3. Identify the responsibilities of the adult, the Support Broker,

    the Circle of Support, and the Fiscal Employer Agent

    regarding budget management, oversite, and spending.

INTRODUCTION
The My Voice, My Choice program option follows in the footsteps of many other states and countries around the world who have pursued the path of Individualized Funding and Budgeting for people with disabilities. Information in this section will assist you to provide your future employers with a basic knowledge of what an individualized budget means, how it is created, and who is responsible to manage the budget. Key terms that you will be exposed to in this section include: Individualized Funding, Fiscal Employer Agents, Fiscal Management Services, and Individualized Budgeting.

There are specific rules about how individual budget amounts are determined for each person eligible to receive waiver services in Idaho, and requirements for managing the budgets as defined by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.  Although we will not address the specific rules and requirements here, what is important to understand is that the Support Broker is responsible to help each employer and his or her Circle of Support to use the Individualized Budget to support the individual's plan.  Support Brokers will be provided with more specific details through the Division of Medicaid.

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