Missouri is getting a portion of more than $8 million to help people with disabilities and long term illnesses are getting some help. Missouri is getting a $1.6 million federal grant to fund long term care services and support. 

“It’s a great opportunity for the state of Missouri,” said Michael Brewer, Assistant Deputy with the state division of senior and disability services. “Forty-three other states and territories have already been selected by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to participate in it and Missouri and Oregon are the two newest participants this year. This grant is two grants actually a person centered hospital discharge planning model and the development of an aging disability resource center.”

Under the program, hospital discharge planners will have better access to existing information to help patients make better choices when they leave the hospital.

“A person should not have to be institutionalized if they don’t want to be in an institution or in a community care setting,” Brewer said. “They should be able to return home with the appropriate supports and do so safely. So that’s what we’re planning to do with this opportunity.”

download or listen to Aurora Meyer’s story here.