I think my DAD's got a new gig upstairs...

Great news! We received a letter on Saturday advising us that Keith had moved to the top of the list for the Texas DADS STAR+PLUS program! This came as quite surprise because when we signed up in July 2008, we were told that it was a 2-3 year waiting list.

From the website:

STAR+PLUS is a Texas Medicaid program that provides health care as well as acute and long-term services and support through a managed care system. It is administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Services are provided through HMOs. [The two HMO options available in Texas are Amerigroup and Evercare.]

Translated into words we want to hear:

• Once qualified, Keith will get financial support for personal care attendants [approximately 40 hours/week; perhaps more!]
  
• Coverage for medical supplies
• Coverage for durable goods

There are many program details beyond those three items, but those are huge elements of making home healthcare work!

So, we have 30 days from the date of the letter to submit an application to the program which will lead to an in-home assessment to determine the next level of qualification. Fortunately we have Clyde Farrell and Leah Cohen assisting us with this process. Naturally, we'll keep you informed of the story as it unfolds!

About the title of this entry, since my Dad passed away earlier this month, I like to think that he's up there smoothing the way for good things like this to happen.