INDIVIDUALIZED FUNDING
Individualized Funding means that a pre-determined dollar amount is allocated to support each individual's life plan. In other words, the money for supports and services follows the person and is based on their need for support. The dollar amount allotted to support a person's plan is established through a traditional process. Once eligibility for waiver services is determined, the individual's score on the SIB-R (Scales of Independent Behavior-Revised) is calculated. Typically, a family member or other close advocate completes the SIB-R through an Independent Assessment Provider (IAP). The budget is established through a predetermined system that takes into account the SIB-R score, medical history, requirements for personal assistance, and past plans. 

It is important that Brokers help participants to understand that the predetermined dollar amount is not negotiable. 

Tim Stainton and Brian Salisbury (2005) tell us that some key principles of Individualized Funding include:

Once a person's plan is approved within the allocated spending limits, they can begin to use their funds to meet their specific needs.  Invoices for supports and services are forwarded to a Fiscal Employer Agent (FEA) for payment. The FEA will then provide updates to both the employer and Support Broker for budget review. Traditional Medicaid providers will negotiate with the adult for costs of services and supports ahead of time. Through this negotiation, a contract is developed and supports or services are provided.  Brokers must understand that Traditional Providers become Community Support Providers through the negotiation and contracting process.  All Community Support Providers submit bills to the FEA for payment.  Click here for a graph that represents the path dollars take in an individualized funding system.



Click for article J.T. Turnbull: Putting it All Together for a Life That Belongs to the Person

The Beach Center on Disability, through the University of Kansas, offers stories of real people who are pursuing and achieving Self-Determination through self-directed supports and individualized funding. Before we ask you to read background literature and research-based reports, read the story of J.T. Many individuals like the idea of self-directed supports, yet they struggle to understand how it will be achieved. J.T.’s story provides a picture of how it can work when there is a team of committed people joined by a unified vision.

Successful Support Brokers need to learn what resources are available to their employers and assist to build budgets that reflect how different types of dollars can be spent.


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