Library: News Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the ADvantage Medicaid waiver program. The ADvantage program provides services to frail elders and adults with disabilities. The services allow them to remain at home or in the residential setting of their choice while receiving care.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved the ADvantage Medicaid waiver on July 9, 1993. In November 1993, the program started as a small pilot project and provided services to three ZIP codes in Tulsa County. The program expanded statewide by 1997 and since its inception, the program has served more than 74,000 Oklahomans. More than 20,000 Oklahomans receive ADvantage program services every year.
ADvantage program services include case management, personal care, skilled nursing, prescription drug assistance, adult day health care, home-delivered meals, home modification, hospice, therapy, and specialized medical equipment and supplies. The services are provided by a statewide network of home health providers. DHS Aging Services administers the program in partnership with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority.
ADvantage services are less expensive than nursing facility care and it is estimated that the ADvantage program saves the state more than $300 million in Medicaid expenditures each year.
“This anniversary marks two decades of working closely with members, providers, key partners, legislators and a host of others to ensure the growth and sustainability of this important community based waiver. We are incredibly grateful for all those who helped us reach this milestone,” said DHS Aging Services director Lance Robertson. “The program is presently operating in a superb, efficient manner and I’m excited to see what ADvantage will do for Oklahomans in the coming twenty years.”
Nov. 20, 2013 is “ADvantage Program Day” in the state of Oklahoma.
For more information about ADvantage, call 800-435-4711 or visit okdhs.org/programsandservices/aging/adw.
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