Georgians With Disabilities Are Still Being Institutionalized, Despite Federal Oversight

Lloyd Mills, a 32-year-old with autism, cerebral palsy, and kidney disease, was stuck in a hospital for eight months due to auditory hallucinations and suicidal thoughts. Georgia was sued in 2010 for segregating people with disabilities and mental illnesses, leading to a settlement to improve care services. While improvements have been made, many challenges remain, including a shortage of appropriate housing. The state legislature’s lack of funding for additional waivers has hindered progress. Mills’ extended hospital stay caused him to lose Medicaid coverage. Despite being moved to a group home briefly, he ended up back in the hospital, raising concerns about further delays in community placement.

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