The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) seeks volunteers to join an advisory committee to help develop a new option for in-home services. This option will be called Agency with Choice and will launch in 2026.

Through Agency with Choice, older adults and people with disabilities who receive Medicaid-funded long-term services and supports may choose to work with a new type of agency to hire a direct-care worker. This new type of agency will help individuals hire an in-home care provider, complete all the required paperwork, train the provider and pay them.

Planning for the 2026 launch of Agency with Choice is underway. To support planning efforts, the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities is seeking volunteers to join the Consumer Advisory Committee on Agency with Choice to help guide the creation of the program. This committee will include individuals who receive Medicaid in-home services and will meet virtually every month.

ODHS is looking for volunteers to serve on the committee who:

• Currently receive Medicaid in-home services from a homecare worker, personal care attendant, or in-home care agency or have received these services in the past;
• Are older adults or adults with a physical disability or behavioral health need;
• Understand the value and potential benefits of in-home services;
• Have reliable internet or phone service for virtual meetings (no travel necessary);
• Will actively participate in discussions and provide feedback; and
• Will be able to consider the needs of all people who receive in-home help.

As many as 15 people will be selected for the committee to represent all parts of the state. People who are interested in joining, may apply online at https://forms.office.com/g/JjW1hd5viY.

Applications must be submitted by August 5, 2024, to be considered for membership in the committee. For help completing the application or to ask a question, please send an email to: AWC.Info@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

How to get more information

If you want to learn more about Agency with Choice, please see the “initiatives and outreach” section on our web page: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/agency/Pages/apd.aspx. Information will be added as it is available.