I strongly oppose any proposed changes to Consumer-Directed Services that would allow a broker to make decisions on behalf of individuals rather than preserving their right to choose how their services are managed. Consumer direction is built on the principles of individual choice, independence, self-determination, and control over personal care.

Individuals receiving services and their families should have the right to select who provides their care, how their services are coordinated, and who assists them in managing those services. Replacing individual choice with a broker-directed approach could create unnecessary barriers, limit flexibility, and reduce the individual’s control over decisions that directly affect their daily lives.

Individuals should not lose their freedom of choice for the sake of administrative convenience. Any changes to Consumer-Directed Services should strengthen individual rights, improve access to services, and support person-centered care rather than restrict decision-making authority.

I strongly urge policymakers to reject any proposal that removes or limits individual choice and ensure that the voices, rights, and preferences of individuals and families remain the priority.