COLUMBUS (November 21, 2001) Governor Bob Taft today announced that the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Ohio's request for 2000 additional Individual Waiver slots for people with mental retardation or a developmental disability. The Individual Options program provides services to individuals in their own home at a cost that is lower than the institutional alternative.

"By expanding this cost-saving program we will provide greater freedom and independence, more flexibility and increased community involvement to individuals with mental retardation or a developmental disability," said Taft.

Director Kenneth Ritchey of the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities pronounced this to be the first significant step in what we hope is a system-wide expansion of services.

CMS also approved Ohio's request to modify Ohio's Individual Options program to simplify the process of determining an appropriate level of care, change the caps on personal care rates, and eliminate prior institutionalization as a condition for supported employment.