Porter comments on Attendant Care audit

Recently, the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced an audit of the Attendant Care program, putting critical support for developmentally disabled children and adults at risk. 

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement on the audit:

“This audit is evidence that Republicans don’t know what they’re doing. They’re in charge. They overpaid providers. But somehow the fault lies with the Attendant Care program. Now the FSSA is on this seek and destroy mission.

“For two years, the FSSA has attacked the Attendant Care program. But the program is a genuine win-win. Indiana’s most vulnerable residents can remain in their homes and receive care from their loved ones, rather than being forced into high-cost facilities. This approach is not only more compassionate. It’s significantly more cost-effective for the state. But the FSSA continues to put this vital lifeline at risk. 

“Threatening providers with $200 million in clawbacks, while simultaneously requiring pre-approval of billings before payment is issued, risks driving these providers out of business. The result won’t be a more efficient, better system. It will be families left without care or options. 

“I reject this approach to ‘blame all for the actions of the few.’ If fraud exists, pursue those bad actors. But we cannot slash and burn an entire program that vulnerable people depend upon. 

“The correct course of action is a comprehensive performance audit of the Attendant Care program. We don’t need a politically motivated audit that seeks a predetermined outcome. Indiana should pursue bad actors, but we can’t lose sight of those lives that depend on these life-saving services.”