INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Advocates for recreational therapy are hosting a meeting about proposed changes to Medicaid coverage.

Recreational therapy often uses activities like art, music, hiking, and other pastimes to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) is considering a cap on Medicaid-funded recreational therapy to 6 hours a month.

On June 18, FSSA’s Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services proposed the changes during an Advisory Council meeting.

My Voice My RT is a group of recreational therapists that formed after the cap was proposed.

They are hosting a series of town halls to go over the potential changes to coverage. The group also wants people to know about a public comment period that is open through Aug. 8.

Recreational Therapy Director for FLOW Recreation, Tyler Neimeyer, says the goal is to collaborate with other advocates.

“[We want to] give people who often don’t have a voice a platform from which to amplify their voice,” Neimeyer said. “That’s kind of the reason behind the title of My Voice My RT. We want an opportunity for people, who don’t often get the opportunity to speak, to speak,”

According to the discussion at the Advisory Council meeting, the state agency has seen an increase in recreational therapy usage throughout the state.

Meanwhile, My Voice My RT cites a survey that says clients at the state’s four largest providers use on average 13.8 hours of recreational therapy per month.

According to Neimeyer, the services are crucial, especially for people living with developmental disabilities who often struggle with isolation and getting enough exercise.

“Recreational therapy is not just a therapeutic service,” he said. “It’s a preventative service. It’s based in public health. So often, what people don’t see is that what we’re actually doing is we’re providing preventative measures.”

My Voice My RT already held a meeting in Fort Wayne on July 17. The next meeting will be at Frediens Church of Christ in Indianapolis from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Public comments can be sent to DDRSWaiverNoticeComment@fssa.in.gov.

FSSA did not respond to News 8’s request for comment.

Upcoming My Voice My RT Town Halls

• Wednesday, July 23, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
  • Indianapolis, Frediens Church of Christ.
• Thursday, July 24, 6-7:30 p.m.
  • Fishers, Hamilton East Public Library.
• Tuesday, Aug. 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Crown Point, Crown Point Library.

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