Independence Plus: A Demonstration Program for Family or Individual Directed Community Services

This initiative expedites the ability of states to offer families with a member who requires long-term supports and services, or individuals who require long-term supports and services, greater opportunities to take charge of their own health and direct their own services. Families and individuals will exercise greater choice, control and responsibility for their services within cost neutral standards. Two template versions enable states to tailor the program to their preferences; the 1115 Demonstration Template and the 1915(c) Waiver Template. These templates further the interests of the administration, states and beneficiaries. The program builds on the experience and research from a number of pioneer states that have pre-tested these concepts.