I strongly oppose the decision by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to reduce services for children with special needs, particularly the reduction in Consumer-Directed personal care service hours. Children with disabilities depend on consistent, individualized care to maintain their health, safety, dignity, and quality of life. Reducing authorized service hours does not reduce their needs. Instead, it places additional burdens on families and caregivers who already dedicate their time, energy, and resources to providing essential daily support.
Consumer-Directed services allow families to provide care in a familiar, safe environment while helping their children maintain stability and independence to the greatest extent possible. Reducing these hours may leave children without adequate supervision and assistance with essential daily activities, potentially increasing the risk of health and safety problems and placing families under significant emotional and financial strain.

Parents and family caregivers understand their children’s daily needs, challenges, and limitations. Decisions about reducing services should be based on each child’s individual circumstances and documented needs, rather than policies that may fail to account for the realities of caring for a child with significant disabilities. I urge DMAS to reconsider this decision, protect medically necessary Consumer-Directed service hours.Please put the needs, safety, and well-being of children with disabilities first. These services are not a luxury; they are essential support that helps vulnerable children live safely and allows their families to continue providing the care they need.
Thank you for considering the serious impact this decision may have on children with special needs and their families.