Working in a Broken System

Lowering my expectations has helped me maintain mental stability. As an independent contractor, I am responsible for submitting claims for payment or I can hire a billing agent. I have had many payment issues while being a provider. The system is not made for mistakes and errors can take weeks to fix. This is one of the reasons why being a provider is not sustainable for everyone. I have a right to be paid in a timely manner, but no one exists to enforce these rules. Each case has a service and support administrator, this is a job I would never want, because these people are so overloaded with work. SSA’s are responsible for getting costs authorized by the board and this can be a tricky step. I work with people who are a danger to themselves and others and need consistent supervision. The board can have a hard time understanding why a person can’t be left alone. They will ask, “what is the worst that can happen?” My answers: break windows and mirrors, leave the water running, eloping, because the word escaping has been deemed inappropriate, running into traffic, walking into someone’s else’s home and undressing in public. People with disabilities and the people who support them deserve to be safe. Do better, Ohio, you have been hurting us.