The Money Follows the Person is a Demonstration Grant that works to integrate individuals with disabilities from nursing homes and centers into the community.  There are many people today living in nursing homes that could live independently.  It allows people to take advantage of opportunities that other Americans take for granted such as taking a walk when they want to, choosing what they want to eat, going to bed when they want, having a job, visiting family and friends and simply being a part of their community.

With this program people get the opportunity to choose where they want to live.  They may receive home and community base services pending on need, insurance and income.  It gives these individuals assistance with setting up their new household, up to $2,400.00 dollars to use for their housing deposit, furniture, kitchenware, towels, sheets, etc.  There is actually a savings to the state when a person leaves the institution and lives in the community with supports.

It's a win-win program.  People with disabilities get the choice to live in the community and states get the needed resources to rebalance their long term service systems to increase availability of community based services. 

Individuals who want to transition are assessed for their "preparedness" by determining their housing, medical, service and support needs.  Service plans can be developed for those requiring some assistance with their transition.

The program serves individuals with physical disabilities, mental illness and developmental disabilities.  Options for residence in the community will include the person's own home, a family home, an apartment or congregate housing.

• Have lived in a nursing home facility for a period of six months or longer.
• Be Medicaid eligible for at least one month.
• Transition to a house or apartment that is leased or owned by the participant or participant's family.