Alabama will process applications for Medicaid waiver services more quickly and create a central telephone number for information about obtaining services under a settlement agreement reached recently.

The agreement comes in response to a class action lawsuit filed in 2000 against the state of Alabama accusing the state of providing too few services to residents with disabilities.

Under the settlement, the state agrees to make decisions about services eligibility within 90 days. Thereafter, annual status updates will be provided and a clear appeals process will be made available. Plus, a central phone number will be available to state residents inquiring about services for people with disabilities.

Currently, about 2,100 people with disabilities are on a waiting list for services in Alabama, reports The Birmingham News. To read more click here.

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