What You and Your Service Facilitator Should be Discussing

New for this period:

1. If you are on the CCC Plus Waiver, did you know that you could also be on the waiting list for one of the three new waivers (Building Independence, Family and Individual Supports or Community Living)?  How to apply for the FIS or CL Waiver.
2. Review Mobility and Behavior/Orientation levels as noted on our reports. – Are they accurately reflecting your reality?
3. You can now enroll attendants online at PPL.

 

At every visit:

1. Are you enrolled in Commonwealth Coordinated Care (CCC) Program? If so,
   which Managed Care Organization (MCO) are you using?
2. Are there any medical and/or functional changes?
3. Who are your attendants and are they getting paid?
4. Have there been any recent hospitalizations?
5. Turning 18? We have an amazing Resource Page for Young Adults!
6. Reviewing time sheets filled out by your attendants.

 

Waivers

New DD Waiver Slots! 

628 new DD Waiver slots have been funded for this year. Waiver Slot Assignment Committees will begin assigning Waivers to people on the Priority One waiting list this Fall! The Virginia General Assembly approved funding for 628 new DD Medicaid Waivers for 2018 and funding for 1067 new waivers in 2019. It is expected that each of the Community Services Boards (CSBs) will soon know how many of the waiver slots are available to assign in 2018. If you or your family member is on the wait list, now is a good time to make sure that you have provided current information about where you live and your support needs to your CSB case manager/support coordinator. Whenever there are changes in your situation, make sure that you have informed your CSB case manager or support coordinator.

If you are Priority One, make sure that your local Community Services Board (CSB) has your current contact information and that both a Critical Needs Summary and Slot Assignment Review Form have been completed for you. Contact your assigned case manager if you don’t know your Priority level or if you’ve experienced recent life changes that could potentially make you eligible for Priority One.

There are several documents that people on the waiting list should have copies of and review to determine if their situation is reflected accurately. If not current, then it is important to contact the case manager to discuss, review and revise.

1. The first is the VIDES – the screening tool that determines if a person meets the functional criteria for the Waiver. It should be updated whenever there are changes in the person’s health care, living arrangements and support needs or at a minimum annually.
2. Next is the the Priority Level Determination form which specifies the Priority Level 1, 2, or 3 of an individual.
3. If a person is in Priority Level 1, then the case manager has assessed the individual’s need for a waiver on the Critical Needs Summary which yields a score. The score on the Critical Needs Summary is relative to others in Priority Level 1 in the CSB; it determines which individuals in each CSB are considered for a waiver when the CSBs have waivers to assign.
4. If a person is in the pool to be considered for a waiver, based on their Critical Needs Summary score, then the Waiver Slot Assignment Form is prepared for the Waiver Slot Assignment Committee. Ask the case manager to provide you with a copy of the Waiver Slot Assignment form prior to the Committee meeting to review for accuracy. You should keep a copy.

In a nutshell, communicate with your case manager/supports coordinator whenever your situation changes, request copies of documents and review them for accuracy, and speak with your case manager again to discuss updates or changes needed in documents.

Other Resources:

• DD Waivers Wait List & Slot Assignment Process
• Types of assessments
• DD Waiver slot allocation chart (By CSBs and region)
• Compare Services and Supports for the Three DD Waivers (Under Waiver section)

Moms In Motion can be your Service Facilitator for the CCC Plus Waiver while you apply to be placed on the DD Waiver wait list. Please contact any of our Family Resource Specialists to get started today.

 

EPSDT / DMAS-7 Questions and Answers Video

On September 18th, Moms In Motion hosted a live webinar on the recent changes to Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) regarding Personal Care services. We presented an up to date outlook on what these changes mean for the families we serve and shared how and what to do to ensure a smooth transition! Watch the webinar recording video.

In a Medicaid memo, it states, starting September 1, 2018, individuals under the age of 21 that are enrolled in the CCC Plus Waiver, must receive personal care, private duty nursing, and assistive technology through the Early Periodic Screening and Diagnostic Treatment (EPSDT) benefit. This change is being made to comply with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) requirement that certain Medicaid funded services for individuals under the age of 21 be accessed through the EPSDT benefit in lieu of a 1915 (c) Home and Community Based Services waiver.

Since Personal Care will be moved under EPSDT (a Medicaid program, not a waiver program), that will no longer be a Waiver service.  Because of this, you will need to have at least one other service in addition to EPSDT personal care hours. Respite meets that requirement for most, but if you do not receive respite hours you will need to make sure you are using another waiver service.

Some examples of other services are:

• Adult Day Health Care
• Assistive Technology
• Environmental Modifications
• Medication Monitoring
• Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)

• Private Duty Nursing Services
• Respite Care
• Skilled and Intermediate (custodial) nursing facility or long stay hospital
• Transition Services (moving into the community and out of a nursing facility)

Read more in Moms In Motion’s Special Edition Newsletter. You can find a blank DMAS-7 form and an example of a filled out DMAS-7 here. The DMAS-7 will need to be filled out by a pediatrician, developmental pediatrician, or a primary care physician. Please be aware that a specialist cannot complete the form. Tip: You can use your respite hours until your personal care hours are authorized.

Important Notices

1. Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) may be sending out three letters to ask if people want to remain on the DD Waiver wait list. The first letter will come the month the person got on the waiting list, the second letter comes the following month, and the third letter states that people will be removed if they don’t respond. Anyone who wants to stay on the list will not have to appeal if they respond to the third letter within 30 days asking to stay on. Families need to be on the lookout for the letters and to respond in a timely manner. Since not everyone is being notified at the same time, it is tricky in terms of telling people when to expect to receive their letter. Please check in with your Community Service Board (CSB) waiting list case manager if you have concerns or questions.

 

1. Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) had removed the exclusion of Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) program enrollees from managed care with the anticipation of moving this group into managed care at some point in 2018 (no date were set). However, upon further examination, it was determined that it was not appropriate to allow HIPP enrollees into managed care at this time. No HIPP enrollees have been moved to managed care and none will until further notice. We will be adding the exclusion back into the contract effective January 1, 2019.

Maximizing Your Benefits

MCO Open Enrollment

Open enrollment starts October 1, 2018 and ends on December 1, 2018. If you choose to switch your new MCO plans will be effective January 1, 2019. Look for letters in your mail for MCO open enrollment soon. If you do chose to switch MCOs there could be potential lapse in services during the transition, and most likely a delay of attendant pay. HIPP is not participating in MCO open enrollment.

It is important that you tell your Moms In Moms In Motion Service Facilitator you switched MCOs!
Moms In Motion needs to know to be able to send authorization requests to your new MCO choice. The MCO approves authorizations and then sends it to PPL.

There is no open enrollment for the Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) program.

If an individual under 21 years of age switches MCOs during open enrollment period they will have to go through Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) to get their new authorization for Personal Care attendant hours.

Helpful links:

• Pease feel free to join our Facebook Medicaid Waiver Discussion Group to chat about the six MCOs. Be aware this group is public.
• The Six MCOs Information / Comparison Packet

An Update on the Individual and Family Support Program (IFSP)

The Individual & Family Support Program is a result of the DOJ Settlement with the State of Virginia. The purpose of this fund is to assist individuals on the wait lists for the DD Waiver and their families to support them in their community as they wait for their “slot” to be funded. A maximum of $1,000 per fiscal year per individual on the wait list is potentially available for services.

IFSP Funding application submission will be opened on October 10, 2018 at 9:00 am. At that time applicants will be able to submit a completed application. You will not be able to submit your application before the submission date. Remember, the IFSP Funding Program provides assistance on a first-come- first-served basis. Saving draft applications early is encouraged. All applications must be submitted on-line using the IFSP Application web portal.

November 8, 2018 is the last day to submit a IFSP Funding application. All application information will be posted on the IFSP website.

Useful links:

• What is covered and is not covered under IFSP
• Moms In Motion’s IFSP resource page
• IFSP Training sessions to show you how to fill out the application
• An IFSP Prerecorded Training Session
• August 2018 IFSP Flyer

Serve on the State IFSP Council or the Regional IFSP Council!

Are you interested in representing the voices of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families?

Are you interested in helping increase supports for individuals with developmental disabilities so that they can live in their communities?

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)  Individual and Family Support Program (IFSP) invites self-advocates and families of an individual with a developmental disability to consider serving on the State IFSP Council or the Regional IFSP Council.

DBHDS relies on the IFSP State and Regional Councils to provide guidance and feedback on the state level program activities. The Regional Council is responsible for implementing local activities that help individuals and families obtain the additional supports needed to maintain community living.

If you are interested in learning more about either the State or the Regional Council, please review the information provided in the links below:

• Overview of the Regional Council
• Overview of the State Council
• State and Regional Council Charters
• The State IFSP Plan

All council members are selected and appointed by DBHDS. Click here to access the self-nomination application. Self-nominations will be accepted between September 28th and October 12th, 2018. Nominations will be reviewed and applicants will be contacted after October 15th to schedule an interview.

For more information about the State or Regional Council, please email IFSPCommunity@dbhds.virginia.gov

Another Opportunity

The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) is establishing a Medicaid Member Advisory Committee. The purpose of the committee is to allow DMAS to listen to the experiences and suggestions of Medicaid members. The committee will meet quarterly. There are no formal qualifications for the committee. Meetings generally take place in Richmond. To learn more about this opportunity, contact Walter Burton at (804) 418-4529 or at walter.burton@dmas.virginia.gov

Social Security Lifts 1.7 Million Children Out of Poverty

Eighty-three years ago President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act. To mark the occasion, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has updated their background on Social Security, a vital program to which nearly every American contributes and from which nearly every American ultimately benefits.

Though most people understand how much elderly Americans need and value Social Security fewer understand it’s importance for children and their families. About 6 million children under age 18 lived with families that received income from Social Security in 2017. That number included nearly 3 million children who received their own benefits.

Children can qualify for benefits if a breadwinning parent dies, becomes disabled, or retires. Social Security can also indirectly help children who live with a parent or other relative who receives benefits, which can help the whole family stay afloat, particularly in cases of premature death or life-changing illness or injury. Social Security is one of the biggest child poverty fighters of any program, lifting 1.7 million children out of poverty in 2015 using the comprehensive Supplemental Poverty Measure. Only the refundable tax credits for working families (the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit) and SNAP (formerly foods stamps) lift more children out of poverty.

Read the entire article by Kathleen Romig.

• Moms In Motion Social Security resource page

PPL – Waiver Fiscal Agent/”Payroll”

Check out Moms In Motion’s:

• PPL and Attendant Resource Page

Check out PPL’s:

• Overview, Program Documents and Training Resource Page
• Request a Pre-populated Packet Attendant Application (Link to submit)
• Online Enrollment for Consumers and Providers (EORs and Attendants)
• Submit an Online Timesheet Tutorial (Prompt to run Adobe Flash)

Attendant Payroll Schedules for 2018 – March 2019

•  A – Central VA & Tidewater
•  B – Northern VA, Piedmont & Southwest

Employee of Record (EOR) Manuals

•  July 2009
•  March 2015

Your Moms In Motion Service Facilitator will be happy to assist you with anything mentioned in this section. Ask during your next visit!

 

Advocacy

October is….

Disability History and Awareness Month!

To borrow a great quote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

The 2009 Virginia General Assembly responded to the call from young people with disabilities to pass a resolution designating a month to encourage public schools and universities to engage in activities that promote awareness. One-fifth of all Americans have disabilities, including almost one million people in Virginia. During October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in their communities.

• Click the orange tab to view VCU’s Disability History and Awareness resources.
• An extensive view on Disability History by Alaska’s Governor Council on Disabilities.
• A short slideshow  with notes on Disability History.

Disability Employment Awareness Month!

Held every October, Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a fitting time to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. National Disability Employment Awareness Month was declared in 1988 by the United States Congress for October to raise awareness of the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 2018, the NDEAM theme is “America’s Workforce: Empowering All.” NDEAM celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a diverse workforce inclusive of their skills and talents!

• There is a wealth of information at Moms In Motion’s Employment resource page. Please take a few few moments to check it out!

• The VR Workforce Studio Podcast is hosted by Wilson Work Force and Rehabilitation Center Director, Rick Sizemore, and features the success stories of many individuals with disabilities as they move through the vocational rehabilitation process and become employed.
• Medicaid Expansion Improves Disability Employment Rates – An article titled, Effect of Medicaid Expansion on Workforce Participation for People With Disabilities published by American Journal of Public Health examines the effect that Medicaid expansion has had on workforce participation for people with disabilities. The article demonstrates that the workforce participation rate for people with disabilities is significantly higher in states where Medicaid has been expanded verses states where it has not been expanded. The article further points out that many people with disabilities were previously forced into Health Insurance Motivated Disability Enrollment (HIMDE) where they enrolled in social security disability or some other disability program. They did this not for the cash assistance, but due to the fact that it provided reliable health coverage. The article explains that with Medicaid expansion, people with disabilities are now free to engage in employment and earn a living without the fear of losing their health coverage.

 

Virginia Launches a First in the Nation Program to Connect Emergency Departments

Governor Ralph Northam announced Virginia’s Emergency Department Care Coordination (EDCC) Program. This single, statewide technology solution connects all emergency departments in the Commonwealth, facilitating near real-time communication and collaboration among health care providers, health plans, clinical and care management personnel for patients receiving emergency medical services. The program also integrates the state’s Prescription Monitoring Program and the Advance Healthcare Directive Registry. Virginia is the first state in the nation to connect all of its emergency department systems in this way.
Read entire July 31, 2018 press release.

Spotlight On…

Richmond Autism Integration Network

Since 2012, Richmond Autism Integration Network (RAIN) has been passionately serving children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or other related developmental disability. The first summer RAIN held camp for three weeks and served eight students. In five years RAIN has grown to not only provide a all summer long camp for students with ASD and their same aged peers but to provide camps during all school breaks and more fun activities.Teaching social skills and life skills in an engaging, fun way is our specialty! Working with parents, schools and other agencies has given us an opportunity to offer a variety of learning opportunities in both areas. RAIN works in partnership with parents, schools and other agencies in the Richmond and tri-cities area.

No Wrong Door

No Wrong Door Virginia is a virtual system and statewide network of shared resources. It’s designed to streamline access to long term services and supports, which connects individuals, providers and communities across the Commonwealth.

No Wrong Door Virginia is a national leader, supporting older adults, family caregivers and individuals of all ages with disabilities. The system provides valuable tools to strengthen community networks and promote person-centered practices, for individuals to evaluate options and make informed decisions.

The expanding No Wrong Door Network offers:

• Access to over 26,300 programs and services
• Options provided by 500+ professionals using the No Wrong Door tools
• Answers for nearly 50,000 individuals securely connected to valuable resources

Job Opportunities at Moms In Motion  

Do You Want To:

• have a positive impact on people’s lives?
• see the joy in someone’s face when you tell them about a little resource that will make a big difference in their lives?
• have the chance to help people in your community on a day-to-day basis? 

Apply Today to Become a Service Facilitator 

Moms In Motion / At Home Your Way is looking for talented individuals to join our team! We are hiring Service Facilitators all across the state of Virginia. Apply today!

Service Facilitators support eligible individuals and their families in properly using consumer-directed services so they can live in their home with assisted supports. We do this by routinely visiting people in their homes (your home will be your base office). Moms In Motion / At Home Your Way has been a leader in this industry for over nine years. We are a value added provider. We help families to administer their consumer-directed services & link them to additional services.

If you can answer “Yes” to these questions we want you to Join our Team of ACES:

• Do I enjoy ADVOCATING?
• Am I COMPASSIONATE?
• Do I strive for EXCELLENCE in everything I do?
• Do I care about person-centered SERVICE?

Skills and Qualifications include:

• Associate’s Degree or greater in Human Services or related field.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

We are currently hiring in all locations in Virginia including the following:

• Abingdon / Bristol / Washington County
• Danville / Pittsylvania Counties
• Lynchburg
• Albemarle / Charlottesville Counties
• Deerfield
• Madison County
• Alexandria
• Eastern Shore
• Manassas
• Alleghany County
• Fairfax County
• Monterey
• Amelia / Cumberland / Powhatan Counties
• Fauquier County
• Nelson County
• Arlington / Falls Church / McLean
• Fluvanna County
• Orange County
• Bedford County / Vinton
• Frederick County / Winchester
• Page County
• Bland / Smyth / Wythe Counties
• Fredericksburg
• Prince William County (Dumfries / Triangle / Woodbridge)
• Branchville / Emporia / Jarrett Counties
• Giles County / Pulaski County / Radford
• Richmond
• Brunswick / Greenville Counties
• Goochland / Louisa Counties
• Roanoke
• Campbell County
• Greene County
• Shenandoah County
• Caroline County
• Halifax / South Boston Counties
• Southampton County
• Carroll County / Floyd County / Galax / Grayson / Hillsville
• Hampton Roads
• Spotsylvania County
• Clifton Forge / Covington
• Harrisonburg
• Stafford County
• Colonial Heights / Dinwiddie / Petersburg Counties
• Henry County / Martinsville
• Staunton
• Craig County / Roanoke County / Salem
• Lee County / Norton / Russell County/ Scott County / Wise County
• Warren County
• Craigsville / Goshen
• Loudoun County
• Waynesboro
• Culpeper
• Lunenburg / Mecklenburg Counties

To ensure your Moms In Motion / At Home Your Way application is processed correctly, please use the the links on our Job Opportunities page to apply for the Service Facilitator position in or around your home area.

Share this section with your network, friends and colleagues by copying this link: https://conta.cc/2AtA0Zv

Email questions to: HR@MomsInMotion.net

Events

Screening of Intelligent Lives Documentary Young adults who have intellectual disabilities challenge perceptions of intelligence while navigating high school, college and the workforce. Oct 10 7:30pm Richmond

Boo at the Zoo – Moms In Motion will be there! Join in on the fun to benefit The Arc of Northern Shenandoah Valley at Wilson’s Wild Animal Park. So many fun activities like a hay maze, bounce house and slide,  face painting and more! Oct 13 9:30am Winchester

Healthcare Resource Fair Drop in to meet various MCO providers with various resources for free that will help meet your disability needs. Refreshments will be available. Oct 17 9:30am Big Stone Gap

Critical Decision Points Parent Training What decisions will you need to make regarding your child’s educational path? … and more. Oct 17 Bristol. Oct 18 Roanoke

Special Education Consultations Do you have questions about your child’s IEP and its implementation, 504 plan, eligibility, behavior plans, or other special education issues? Joan Heishman Proper, an attorney in private practice in Manassas, will offer consultations on these and other special education issues. Appointments required. Oct 22 Woodbridge

Disability Resource Fair Receive information from approximately 80+ disability related vendors serving the Hampton Roads area! Oct 24 6:30pm Virginia Beach

24th annual Circle of Support Conference For family with children with special needs and for the professionals that work with them. Nov 3 8am Woodbridge

Legislative Training Presented in ASL Join in on this free training on how to become a more effective communicator when at the General Assembly. Nov 3 9am Richmond

These events and others can be accessed at Moms In Motion’s Calendar!

Tools You Can Use

CCC Plus Waiver Application Process

Resource Page by Moms In Motion.

Searchable Resource List by Moms In Motion.

Acronym List by Moms In Motion. What do those letters mean?

Guide to a Better Future for Youth and Adults with Disabilities by The Arc of Northern Virginia.

Why, When, and How Can I Get the IEP Revised? Consenting to an IEP does not mean you are stuck with it, or that it will be appropriate for an entire year.

Navigating the Developmental Disability Waivers: A Guide for Individuals, Families and Support Partners.

Supported Decision-Making: Alternatives to Guardianship Video Series

2018 Directory of Services for People Who Are Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deafblind by the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH).

Health Insurance Premium Program (HIPP) and HIPP for Kids informational 3 minute video  by The Arc of Northern Virginia.

Waivers

Moms In Motion’s Waiver Facebook Group Discuss and ask questions about Virginia’s Medicaid Waivers, etc. (must have Facebook account)

Your Moms In Motion Service Facilitator is ready to answer your questions. Our team of Family Resource Specialists are also here to help you too!

VaWaivers is used to discuss and share news about Virginia Medicaid Waivers.

www.VaMedicaidWaivers.org The Medicaid Waiver Information Center provides information, materials, workshops, and advocacy meetings about Virginia Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waiver Services.

Finding Attendants

Read about becoming a Consumer Directed Personal Care Attendant and find who to contact for employment options.

Blog with videos, etc, to explain to another what an attendant is and highlight characteristics of a top quality attendant.

The Arc of Northern Virginia has put together an incredible document to introduce individuals to consumer direction. Starting on page 8 of the document, there are very valuable insights into finding and managing qualified care providers. (Remember they are located in Northern Virginia so the reimbursement rate is only relevant to Northern Virginia.)

Other strategies to find attendants:

• Relevant departments of local colleges. (OT, PT, etc)
• Local Department of Social Services and Centers for Independent Living likely has a list of people interested in working as attendants.
• Ask your school’s paraprofessionals.
• Virginia Employment Commission
• Utilize sites such as:
  • Craig’s List
  • Care.com
  • MySupport
  • SitterCity
  • MyChoice4Care
  • Indeed