What is an Area Agency?
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We serve the most vulnerable population in New Hampshire
The Moore Center is one of 10 Area Agencies in New Hampshire. Area Agencies are the organizations across the state who support New Hampshire’s most vulnerable community: those with intellectual disabilities. We serve over 2,500 families, providing a variety of community-based and in-home services.
Together, the Area Agency nonprofit network supports thousands of families across the state who are impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities. They’re part of every community, and in the NH state legislature, we are their advocates — especially when it comes to fighting for the funding and programs they need.
Nothing about us without us.
Our employees and the over 2,500 families we support represent over 6,000 constituents in the Greater Manchester area. You’ll likely have to vote on legislation that them.
Our request is simple: if you’re ever asked to vote on legislation that affects people with intellectual/developmental disabilities or acquired brain injuries, please talk to us first.
People who don’t have a family member with an intellectual or developmental disability (such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy) or an acquired brain injury typically don’t understand how significantly it impacts lives. The stories of these families are filled with undeniable challenges and heart-warming triumphs, and are important to understand in your role.
You may or may not have this experience, but either way, as a legislator you’ll be asked to make critical decisions regarding support for these families during your time of service, especially during the budget process. They depend on your vote, and we’re here to help you make informed decisions.
We know that it’s difficult to understand every issue that comes before you, so our staff – and the families we support – are here to provide valuable information regarding any pertinent issues that come up during your time in office. We’re asking that you use us as the valuable resource that we are.
We ask for nothing more than your commitment to awareness and fairness when making decisions that affect our community. We’re happy to meet at any time to answer your questions and share more information.
Meet some of our families:
What’s the main issue we face?
We need an updated fee structure, supported by the required budget funding to allow us to provide the full range of services required by the state, while also providing a fair wage for our staff, who provide the much-needed services.
The Area Agency system in New Hampshire is operating on a reimbursement fee structure that was set in 2007. It went over 10 years without a Medicaid rate increase, until a small one came in the budget passed in 2019 when we received two annual 3% increases, the second of which went into effect in January of 2021. These minimal increases were not nearly enough to overcome the outdated rate schedule from over 15 years ago.
The result of the funding deficiencies has left Area Agencies in a position where many families aren’t getting budgeted for all of the supports and services they need, and the Area Agencies are struggling to hire and retain employees because they can’t pay a competitive wage. While the two annual 3% budget increases were sincerely appreciated, operating on a Medicaid rate structure that’s 15 years old has left an additional funding gap estimated to be at least 23.5%.
If you haven’t met with your local Area Agency, we strongly encourage you to do so. Here’s how to reach them:
For questions about The Moore Center or to arrange a meeting, please contact Barbara Didona via email or by phone at 603-206-2832.