More Choice, More Control: The Push for Self-Directed Care in Alaska

More Choice, More Control: The Push for Self-Directed Care in Alaska

From Capital Chat by Alaska First Media

May 22, 2026 · 5 min · Episode 604

About this episode

The episode discusses the push for self-directed care in Alaska and its importance for seniors and people with disabilities.

Alaska is currently the only state without a Medicaid-funded self-directed care program, leaving many seniors and people with disabilities with fewer choices when it comes to receiving support at home. In this episode of Capital Chat , Maggie Winston of Southeast Alaska Independent Living, or SAIL, explains what Centers for Independent Living do, how they support people with disabilities across every stage of life, and why self-directed care matters. The conversation explores how participant-directed care can give individuals more control over who provides their care, how services are delivered, and how they remain as independent as possible in their own homes and communities. Maggie also discusses the slow-moving effort to bring this option to Alaska and how organizations like SAIL are advocating for systems change so Alaskans with disabilities, seniors, and families have more options, more dignity, and more control over their daily lives.

People in this episode

Guest: Maggie Winston

Topics covered

  • self-directed care
  • disabilities
  • independence
  • Medicaid
  • advocacy
  • seniors

Keywords

  • self-directed care
  • Alaska
  • disabilities
  • independence
  • Medicaid
  • advocacy
  • seniors
  • home care

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Southeast Alaska Independent Living

Places: Alaska

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