County Executive Asks State Leaders to Build on Family Care’s Strength

MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee County Department of Family Care (MCDFC) manages long-term care services for frail elders and adults with disabilities. In the last four years, MCDFC has expanded to serve eight counties and new target groups while improving quality scores, expanding its provider network, and working to ensure program sustainability. As a result of its efforts:

• Over 1,200 people have successfully relocated from nursing homes to the community.  These moves have improved the quality of life for these individuals while saving over $3 million dollars each year.
• Over 94% of people served by MCDFC are satisfied with the service they receive.
• MCDFC’s most recent quality audit noted measures in the Quality Management Program were 100% met.
• In a 2010 report for the State Department of Health Services (DHS), APS Healthcare said “In recent years, Milwaukee County Department of Family Care has been among the most financially stable of the Family Care MCOs.”

Milwaukee County has amassed a great deal of expertise in effectively delivering long-term care services and would be eager to share its knowledge and experience with the state to ensure that any changes would improve current services even more and minimize unintended consequences.

In his biennial budget, the Governor proposed significant changes that would impact Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) and Milwaukee County’s Family Care program. Some of these changes, like the incorporation of acute and primary care services, already exist in Wisconsin’s successful managed care programs and we are open to exploring expansion in Milwaukee County. County Executive Abele asks the State to work with Milwaukee County to ensure that all proposed reforms of Family Care in Wisconsin build on the already strong performance of these programs.

“We successfully partnered with the State last year to reform mental health service in Milwaukee County,” said Abele. “As was the case then, the County and State both want what’s best for the individuals who are receiving the services, regardless of how those services are delivered. I am always willing to listen to anyone’s ideas for how to improve services. Let’s work together to continue to provide our elderly and adults with disabilities the high quality care they deserve.”

About MCDFC
The Milwaukee County Department of Family Care provides community-based services and supports to over 8,500 older adults and people with disabilities across eight Wisconsin counties including Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha. Services include home and community-based services and supports such as home health care, durable medical equipment, physical therapy and other services designed help people stay as independent as possible. For more information about the Milwaukee County Department of Family Care visit www.mcdfcsewi.com.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

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