IL-ADD Releases Cost Analysis
The Illinois League of Advocates for the Developmentally Disabled (IL-ADD) has challenged the myth that all persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) can be served for less cost in smaller, unlicensed settings.
On October 13, they released a summary and detailed cost analysis that considered the actual cost of care for an individual in a state Intermeciate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) as compared to what that same individual would cost in a smaller setting. The analysis considered three care scenarios for BRB in a Home and Community-Based Services waiver setting (called "CILAs" in Illlinois).
BRB is a current resident of a state-operated ICFs/MR. BRB is 41 years old, 6' tall, 190 lbs, and healthy. He has a pervasive developmental disorder with borderline intellectual functioning. He is being treated for obsessive/compulsive behaviors which presently involve consuming huge amounts of fluid; interruptions of is O/C behaviors can bring violent responses. He also has a history of life-threatening PICA, however this has been completely extinguished in his present state-operated ICF/IID setting. He is prone to unpredictable explosive physical aggression toward peers, staff and property. He has been expelled from community-based programs.
While very challenging, BRB is not the most challenging among his peers at his ICF/IID; he cannot be dismissed as a uniquely expensive case. For example, he does not present severe medical conditions, seizure activities, sexual aggression, fire-starting, or (at this time) PICA.
Cost Comparison Findings (Summary)
Some closure advocates claim that people can be served in the community for "on average $55,000" per year. In fact, BRB's care would cost:
Scenario #3: Professional and staff supports in a four-person CILA minimally comparable to state ICF/IID supports: $270,000 (more than his cost of care at the state-operated ICFs/IID). Even at this cost, some of the same concerns persist, namely, isolation, lack of structure, and high risk of 911 police intervention.
