Audit gives Family Care high marks but warns of growing costs

An audit of the state Family Care program for frail elderly and disabled adults released Wednesday gives the program generally high marks, but warns of burgeoning costs and growing dissatisfaction by home care service providers over low payment rates. The report underscores the program's popularity, noting it grew from serving five counties in 2005 to 53 now, with spending rising more than 277% to last year's $936 million. The federal Medical Assistance program covers almost 70% of the costs; the state covers the rest. (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 4/28)