Self-direction is getting more and more attention in the healthcare space. It turns the traditional way of managing your Louisiana Medicaid benefits on its head by giving you the reins. Under self-direction, you’ll exercise considerably more control, from your budget to the amount of care you receive, and much more.
In this article, we’ll share the definition, benefits, and drawbacks of self-direction in the context of Louisiana Medicaid.
What is Medicaid Self Direction?
Medicaid recipients typically utilize a managed care delivery system. Under this state-directed system, you work with your in-home provider to obtain your benefits. All of the inner workings of care provision and benefits are taken care of by the State behind the scenes.
Medicaid self-direction is an alternative benefit-delivery option where you manage just about every aspect of your Medicaid services. In addition to that, you’ll become the employer of those you choose to deliver your care services.
Here are several aspects you’d control as part of self-direction:
- Choose which in-home providers will deliver your services.
- Train your chosen staff on how to care for you.
- Budget payment for your support personnel.
- Document the services that have been provided to you.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of the duties you’d be responsible for through self-directed care.
Benefits of Self-Direction
Choosing self-directed care does require more work on your part than state-managed care. But there are several benefits participants reap by taking this route, and they include:
- Having substantial control over how your Medicaid support is structured.
- Being able to select your own in-home providers.
- Managing a predetermined amount of public dollars in relation to your Medicaid case. Theoretically, you could allocate the money to the services and benefits you need most.
- Choosing where you live and who lives with you.
- Fostering a sense of independence in yourself.
Drawbacks of Self-Direction
Though self-directed care boasts some attractive benefits, it’s essential to realize that it’s not without its flaws. The drawbacks of self-directed care include:
- Sizable responsibility related to managing your care.
- Risk of not making the best decisions for your health.
- The amount of time required to manage your care effectively.
- Having to manage taxes, employee wages, and more.
- Dealing with the complexities associated with the healthcare delivery system.
Deciding whether the benefits of self-direction outweigh the drawbacks will require you to do a self-assessment. Ask yourself how much time and effort you want to devote to managing your care, whether you have the confidence to make financial decisions, and how you’d feel about making a poor healthcare decision.
Conclusion
So, there you have it… self-direction will not be the right choice for everyone. But if you’re looking for an opportunity to take control of your healthcare and benefits, it’s an option to seriously consider. We hope you found the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best as you navigate your healthcare journey.
