Request for clarification: What will support brokers actually do?

I am the parent of a child with autism who receives Virginia Medicaid waiver services. I would like DMAS to clearly explain what a support broker will do for families and how that role differs from our current service facilitator.

Specifically:

• What responsibilities will the broker have, and what will remain the family’s responsibility?

• Will the broker actively help us find qualified, available respite caregivers, or only provide information and handle paperwork?

• What role will the broker have in assessing needs, requesting hours, and obtaining service authorizations? Who makes the final decisions?

• Will we continue to choose and hire our own respite caregivers?

• How often will the broker contact us, and what response times will be required when we need help?

• Can families request a different broker if the assigned person is not meeting their needs? Who will resolve complaints?

• How will existing services and approved hours be protected during the transition and at reassessment?

Families need a practical explanation of how this will work, including what happens when approved services are unavailable or a caregiver leaves. Please publish a clear comparison of the current facilitator’s duties and the proposed broker’s duties before implementing the change.