Reinvigorating the I/DD Bill in Georgia: An Essential Step Toward Inclusive Care and Support
The push for comprehensive reforms in services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) is gaining renewed momentum in Georgia. At the heart of this effort lies the Innovation Commission Bill, an ambitious piece of legislation introduced by State Senator Sally Harrell (D-District 40) aimed at addressing longstanding issues in the I/DD community. As the bill prepares to make its way through the legislative process once again, its proponents are reflecting on the challenges, progress, and the vision for a future where the needs of this vulnerable population are met comprehensively and sustainably.
The History and Inspiration Behind the I/DD Bill
State Senator Sally Harrell (D-District 40)The roots of the I/DD Innovation Commission Bill trace back to a similar initiative for the mental health community five years ago. This earlier effort successfully established a Mental Health Innovation Commission, which catalyzed transformative legislative changes. Observing this progress inspired the current bill's architect, Senator Harrell, to create a comparable commission for the I/DD community, aiming to address systemic challenges in a structured and collaborative way.
“I watched the work of the Mental Health Commission, and things really got done,” said Harrell. “At the same time, I was working to get the issue for the I/DD community on the map.”
Over the years, Georgia's I/DD community has faced a critical shortage of Medicaid waivers, known as the NOW (New Options Waiver) and COMP (Comprehensive Supports Waiver), leaving thousands on a growing waiting list. Despite incremental progress—such as quadrupling the number of waivers since the study committee’s inception—the state still struggles to meet demand due to a fragmented service delivery network and a shortage of providers.
The Goals and Structure of the I/DD Innovation Commission
The I/DD Innovation Commission aims to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to systematically tackle the multi-faceted challenges facing the I/DD community. The commission would consist of multiple subcommittees, each focusing on key areas, such as Medicaid waivers, service provider recruitment, and infrastructure development.
Notably, the commission would be administratively attached to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) to leverage its resources and expertise. The bill proposes a five-year term for the commission, allowing sufficient time to enact meaningful and sustainable changes. This structure was crafted to ensure a holistic approach, incorporating input from families, providers, and policymakers alike.
The biggest piece that came out of the Mental Health Commission was what is called the mental health parity, “which meant that mental health should be treated the same way as physical health,” said Harrell. Lasting for five years, the commission allowed a broad vision to see further into the future and therefore make more massive changes and change of vision.
“At the same time, you've got these work committees full of people who are actually doing the work and so they know the ins and outs of the business and so details can also be dealt with. And so both of those happened with the Mental Health Commission. And that is what the I/DD community needs,” added Harrell.
“They need a change of vision and they need the input…the nuts and bolts from the people on the ground. If you think about health care, it is a kind of fragmented network of private entities, that kind of all come together into a system. And the I/DD services are also built that way. It's a rather fragmented system of small businesses, much smaller than health care. And so it's not a service that falls completely under the state. So therefore, those voices of the small businesses need to be part of the solution,” she said.
Harrell also noted the impact of technology on how services and supports are delivered. “We're also living through a time, in general, of massive change that's largely driven by technology,” she said. “These businesses have to be very adaptable and they have to adapt quickly in order to survive. And that's one reason why they need to be part of the decision-making process and in the vision-creating process. The commission can bring those people in more so than any government agency can, because it’s going to be a convening of all the players.”
Why Georgia Needs the I/DD Innovation Commission
The commission’s establishment is critical for several reasons:
- Eliminating the Waiting List: The current Medicaid waiver waiting list, which has swelled to over 7,000 individuals, leaves families in constant fear of what will happen when they can no longer care for their loved ones. The commission would work toward eliminating this backlog, ensuring timely access to essential services.
- Strengthening Service Infrastructure: Even if waivers are approved, many families struggle to access services due to a shortage of providers. The commission would focus on bolstering the provider network, improving reimbursement rates, and creating a sustainable support system.
- Ensuring Long-Term Change: Unlike temporary study committees, the commission’s multi-year mandate would allow for comprehensive planning and implementation, addressing both immediate needs and long-term goals.
Advocating for The Path Forward
The previous iterations of the I/DD Innovation Commission Bill faced significant obstacles. While it sailed through the Senate in its second attempt, it stalled in the House, where the bill's language was replaced — effectively killing its original intent.
Such legislative hurdles underscore the need for strategic advocacy and collaboration.
Advocates and members of the I/DD community play a pivotal role in pushing this legislation forward. Their voices are essential to cutting through the noise at the Capitol and making the bill a legislative priority. From writing letters and making phone calls to attending hearings and engaging with local representatives, every effort counts.
“To get it passed, we need the community to make a lot of noise,” urged Harrell. “What gets passed and what doesn’t often comes down to who makes the most noise. And we have that potential in the I/DD community.”
A Vision for Georgia’s Future
In five years, the goal is to see a Georgia where every eligible individual on the I/DD waiting list receives timely services and where families no longer live in fear of what will happen when they can no longer care for their loved ones. This vision includes not just eliminating the waiting list but also creating a robust network of providers and ensuring financial sustainability through innovative partnerships between the public and private sectors.
Moreover, the commission would serve as a model for integrating the voices of those most affected—individuals with I/DD and their families—into policymaking. By doing so, Georgia can set a precedent for other states, demonstrating how collaborative governance can transform lives.
For more information, including how you can show your support for the I/DD commission bill, visit GCDD's Advocacy Days webpage for details about the I/DD Commission Advocacy Day being held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at the Georgia State Capitol.