Waiver Extended

We have confirmed through an outside source that the MFTD Waiver has been granted a fourth extension from the federal government, meaning nursing care will continue until July 30, 2013. This extension was applied for and granted just days before the current program expired. 

While we are grateful that the waiver will continue, these last minute extensions have left families scrambling to make arrangements to care for their children.  In addition, some nursing agencies have begun to refuse to take MFTD waiver cases or are not hiring nurses because of uncertainty with the program.  A permanent solution must be found to keep these children at home. 

Chicago Tribune Features MFTD Kids

The Chicago Tribune ran a cover story profiling 4 MFTD children and their families.  Thank you to the Chicago Tribune for their ongoing support of our children and our program.  Read the article and view the the photo galleries.


About Our Fight

About a year ago, Illinois attempted to eliminate or restructure its program for children who are technology dependent and medically fragile.  We have been fighting these changes ever since.  For information on the Medically Fragile Technology Dependent (MFTD) Waiver, a money saving program that keeps kids at home instead of in hospitals, please visit the About page or read the MFTD Waiver Facts.

For an excellent summary of the main problems with Illinois' proposal to restructure this program, please read this letter from Equip for Equality, Illinois' Protection and Advocacy Organization. We also have detailed pages on the main issues affecting our children.  See the Waiver Issues page or click below to view information on specific topics:

We currently have a civil rights class action lawsuit pending to protect our children from losing their nursing care.  Visit the Legal Issues page for more information. 

These are the most fragile, most complicated children in Illinois, and many may end up in hospitals--at three times the cost to Medicaid--unless we Save the MFTD Waiver!


How to Truly Save Money in the MFTD Waiver

We understand and appreciate that Illinois is facing a fiscal crisis and needs to save money.  As families who participate in this program, we know where the inefficiencies are and how to save money in this program without affecting eligibility or services.  We have also developed creative strategies to minimize costs to the state based on novel programs in other states.  Please see the documents below for our cost-saving strategies.


Please watch the video below to see all the precious moments the MFTD Waiver has made possible.



LET OUR KIDS LIVE AT HOME!