CCC Plus Waiver Personal Care for Individuals under 21 No Longer Under EPSDT

April 27, 2019April 27, 2019 Snap4kids

GREAT NEWS! DMAS HAS HEARD ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE BEEN STRUGGLING WITH THE EPSDT PERSONAL CARE CHANGE!

Last year, Medicaid CCC Plus Waiver Personal Care for people under the age of 21 was changed. The change required new forms and a new process for authorizing Personal Care using standards for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT). It required the child’s doctor to fill out the DMAS-7 form and left no room for error. The changes were confusing and resulted in some young people experiencing a lapse in Personal Care services while waiting on the form and/or receiving fewer hours of Personal Care than they had in the past.

The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) has worked with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to reverse the change that was made last year. The new changes will be effective May 1 for people under the age of 21 who use the CCC Plus Waiver.  Effective May 1, Personal Care hours for those under 21 who are on the CCC Plus Waiver will no longer go through Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT)!

What does this mean for those under 21 on the CCC Plus Waiver? It means you will no longer be required to get the DMAS-7 form filled out and signed by the doctor in order to get an authorization for Personal Care hours. Instead, your Service Facilitator will be able to do a plan of care which does not necessarily require input from your doctor (unless certain supervision tasks are needed), just like they used to prior to the EPSDT change on September 1, 2018. This is great news for all involved!!!

For the time being, individuals with the Community Living (CL) or Family and Individual Supports (FIS) Waivers will continue to get the Personal Care authorizations through EPSDT. Also, those on straight EPSDT that do not have a waiver will continue to need the DMAS-7 filled out by the doctor in order to get an authorization for Personal Care hours. Also those with the CCC Plus Waiver that receive Personal Care hours in school, these Personal Hours will also be through EPSDT.

A few Q’s & A’s.  Only applies to those under 21 with a CCC Plus Waiver:

Q: So is EPSDT totally gone?
A: No, for those on the Community Living (CL) Waiver, Family & Individual Supports (FIS) Waiver, and for those with Medicaid under 21 getting Personal Care through EPSDT and not on a waiver, EPSDT will continue to exist. Also, for those under 21 with a CCC Plus Waiver who are getting Personal Care hours in school, those specific hours will still be requested through EPSDT. For all of these individuals, Personal Care hours authorization will continue to require a DMAS-7 from the doctor.

Q: What if my authorization for Personal Care ends on 4/29/19? My new authorization will start on 4/30/19, so do I need a DMAS-7 from my doctor?
A: You, will still be required to get a DMAS-7 form from your doctor up to and through 4/30/19 as this request will still have to go through EPSDT.

Q: What if my authorization for Personal Care ends on 4/30/19? My new authorization will start on 5/1/19, so do I need to get the DMAS-7 from my doctor?
A: No, your Service Facilitator will write your plan of care using their own assessment and visit data. This will still require the Employer of Record to review and sign the plan of care.

Q: What if my Personal Care hours were reduced when I submitted the DMAS-7 form? Do I get those hours back now?
A:  No, not necessarily. In cases where there is a clear justification for requesting an increase in hours, a new request for authorization can be done to try to get that increase. Please work with your Care Coordinator and Service Facilitator if you think this applies to you.  Also, there is no guarantee that a new request with an increase will be approved or that you will get back all of the hours you had prior to the change.

Q: What if I made the decision to just use Respite hours instead of dealing with the DMAS-7? Can I now get Personal Care hours back without getting my doctor involved?
A: Yes! On and after May 1, 2019, you will no longer be required to get the DMAS-7 form filled out by your doctor in order to get Personal Care hours. Simply contact your Service Facilitator and schedule a visit if you haven’t had a recent one.  Again, this will be a new request and does not guarantee you will get the same number of hours you had prior to the change.

Q: What if my Personal Care hours lapsed while I was trying to get the DMAS-7 from my doctor, will I be able to get my authorization back dated to cover that gap now?
A: Unfortunately, no. An authorization for hours starts the day it is submitted to the approving organization (MCO’s) and unfortunately cannot be backdated. If there is no authorization in place, Personal Care aides should not be working.

Q: Does this change mean that I cannot get more than 35 hours per week of Personal Care?
A: No it does not. In cases where there is a clear reason and thorough justification for more than 35 hours, a request can be made for more.  Again, there is no guarantee that a request for more than 35 hours will be approved for more than 35 hours.

Please note: In an effort to get authorizations in place for those of you that are affected by this change and who are our Moms In Motion clients, we may need some information from you. In order to protect your personal health information, we will likely ask for that information via secure email. It will come from Zixmail. Often, these emails go to spam. If your Service Facilitator tells you that they are sending you a secure email, please be on the lookout for it and respond to it quickly as it may impact your re-authorization for Personal Care hours.

Webinar to Learn More!

A webinar has been scheduled for people with disabilities who are under 21 and their families to receive information directly from DMAS about this change. The webinar is not for personal care agencies and services facilitators (other training opportunities have been scheduled for them).

Tuesday, April 30, 1:00pm
Register Here

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. The webinar will be presented by DMAS and is sponsored by the Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living.

Useful Links

Moms In Motion congratulates all the parents who advocated to bring this change. Way to go!

Efficient advocacy is needed to influence change in policy. Here are links you may want to bookmark for the future.
Who is My Legislator? DMAS Appeal Forms The Virginia Ombudsman

Keep an eye out for our newsletters. Moms In Motion’s newsletters will keep you informed! Moms In Motion will be sending weekly updates to you on this topic. Some of the info may repeat, but we will also add any new information we learn. Be sure you are subscribed to our newsletters, here.

Capitol Insider

The Capitol Insider for the Week of April 22

April 22, 2019April 22, 2019 Snap4kids

Major Recent Events

Medicaid/LTSS: President Signs MFP Extension

On April 18, President Trump signed the Medicaid Services Investment and Accountability Act of 2019 (H.R.1839) into law. This bill adds an additional $20 million for the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program through September 30, 2019. MFP has helped more than 88,000 seniors and individuals with disabilities move out of nursing homes and institutions. Independent evaluations have proven that MFP improves the quality of life for individuals and has reduced Medicaid and Medicare expenditures by approximately 23%. The Arc strongly supports reauthorization of MFP. Additionally, the bill extends Medicaid’s spousal impoverishment protections for home and community based services beneficiaries until September 30. The spousal impoverishment protection allows the spouse of a Medicaid long term services and supports (LTSS) beneficiary to maintain a modest amount of income and resources for food, rent, and medication.

Education: Bill Introduced to Fully Fund Title I and IDEA

Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Representative Susie Lee (D-NV), along with 11 original Senate co-sponsors and 16 original House co-sponsors, introduced the Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers (PACT) Act (S.1172/H.R.2315). This bill gradually increases funding for Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and special education (Part B, the State Grant Program) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) until both are funded at authorization levels. Title I of the ESEA provides funding to school districts with high percentages of low income children. The Arc supports the Keep Our PACT Act.

Education: House Committee Holds Hearing on Education Department

On April 10, the House Committee on Education and Labor held a hearing titled “Examining the Policies and Priorities of the U.S. Department of Education.” The sole witness was Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. Secretary DeVos faced numerous questions related to proposed program cuts; the administration’s Freedom scholarship tax credit proposal, which could be used for private schools that do not have to adhere to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; loan servicing for post-secondary education; the decision to delay the significant disproportionality rule on disability identification, placement, and discipline by race/ethnicity; among other controversial issues. Visit the Committee website to review opening statements and testimony and view archived video of the hearing.

Announcements

Autism: CDC Releases New Autism Prevalence Data

On April 12, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) which included a study of data from 2010, 2012, and 2014 on the prevalence of autism among four-year-old children across study sites in seven states. The data indicate that the prevalence rate was 1 in 59. However, prevalence rates varied greatly between study sites. Of the three states that had data for all three years, only one (New Jersey) had an increase, while the rates in the other two (Missouri and Arizona) remained stable. These three sites also reported no improvement in age at first evaluation. These study sites were part of the Early Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM), a subset of the broader ADDM, which primarily monitors autism prevalence among eight-year-old children.

Social Security: Trustees Release 2019 Annual Report Showing Extended Solvency

On April 22, the Social Security Board of Trustees released “The 2019 Annual Report of the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Federal Disability Insurance Trust Funds.” The 2019 report finds that at the end of 2018, Social Security’s reserves were $2.89 trillion. The Trustees project that Social Security’s combined Trust Funds can pay all scheduled benefits through 2035, at which point the Trust Funds would be able to pay approximately 80 percent of scheduled benefits. The Trustees also find that the Social Security Disability Insurance Trust Fund can pay full scheduled benefits through 2052, after which the fund will be able to pay about 91 percent of scheduled benefits. This is 20 years later than projected in the 2018 Trustees Report, due to ongoing declines in applications, awards, and the number of people receiving Social Security disability benefits.

Disability Policy Seminar Successfully Concluded

The 43rd annual Disability Policy Seminar, held earlier this month, proved to be one of the largest ever with more than 900 people registered. The opening plenary celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Olmstead Supreme Court decision. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI) gave a key note address to kick off the second day of training. The seminar included a packed two days of panels on issues affecting people with disabilities, concluding with the all-important Hill visits with Members of Congress. This annual event is co-sponsored by The Arc, the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, the Association of University Centers on Disabilities, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, Self Advocates Becoming Empowered, and United Cerebral Palsy. The co-sponsors were also joined by the Sibling Leadership Network, Autism Society of America, and National Down Syndrome Congress as promotional partners. Next year, the Disability Policy Seminar will take place on March 23-25 and the hope is to increase advocacy and set a new attendance record.Visit the event website to view presentations and materials from the 2019 seminar.

Capitol Insider

The Capitol Insider For the Week of April 15, 2019

April 16, 2019April 16, 2019 Snap4kids

Major Recent EventsMedicaid/LTSS: House and Senate Approve MFP Extension
On March 25, the House of Representatives approved the Medicaid Services Investment and Accountability Act of 2019 (H.R.1839) which adds an additional $20 million for the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program through September 30, 2019. The Senate passed H.R.1839 on April 2. It now awaits the President’s signature. MFP has helped more than 88,000 seniors and individuals with disabilities move out of nursing homes and institutions. Independent evaluations have proven that MFP improves the quality of life for individuals and has reduced Medicaid and Medicare expenditures by approximately 23%. The Arc strongly supports reauthorization of MFP. Additionally, the bill extends Medicaid’s spousal impoverishment protections for home and community-based services beneficiaries until September 30. The spousal impoverishment protection allows the spouse of a Medicaid long term services and supports (LTSS) beneficiary to maintain a modest amount of income and resources for food, rent, and medication.

Health/LTSS: Medicare for All Plan With LTSS Coverage Introduced in the House
On April 10, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and 14 other Senators introduced the Medicare for All Act of 2019 (S.1129) which expands Medicare to cover all residents. It also eliminates all out-of-pocket costs for all benefits except prescription drugs and expands benefits to include home and community-based long term services and supports (LTSS), among other things. The Arc supports including provisions to address the need for LTSS in any comprehensive health reform proposal.

Budget & Appropriations: House Committee Passes Bill to Increase Spending Caps for FY 2020
On April 4, the House Budget Committee reported out the Investing for the People Act (H.R.2021) to raise on defense and nondefense discretionary (NDD) spending by $88 billion each in FY 2020 and FY 2021. If the spending caps created by the Budget Control Act of 2011 remain in place, non-defense discretionary (NDD) funding will be reduced by $55 billion (9%) compared to the current fiscal year. The NDD part of the federal budget includes education, housing, employment, transportation, Developmental Disabilities Councils, protection and advocacy (P&A) programs, university centers on disabilities, and many more programs. The vote was 19-17, largely along party lines. The bill was subsequently pulled before making it to the House floor due to disagreements among Democrats regarding the relative increase for defense and NDD programs.

Family Support: Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Introduced in the House and Senate
On April 2, Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Representatives Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) introduced the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2019 (S.995,H.R.2035). This bipartisan bill reauthorizes the Lifespan Respite Care Program through fiscal year 2024. The Lifespan Respite Care Program, through grants to states, helps build coordinated state lifespan respite systems, helps family caregivers pay for respite or find funding sources, encourages development of new and innovative community and faith based respite opportunities, and trains respite workers and volunteers. The Arc supports this legislation.

AnnouncementsEducation: Education Department Releases School Climate Guidance
On April 10, the Department of Education released a guidance documenttitled “Parent and Educator Guide to School Climate Resources.” This document provides strategies schools can use to improve school climate, reduce disciplinary issues, and make schools safer. The document recommends the use of school-wide positive behavior support programs.

ADA DOJ · Capitol Insider

You are invited to attend: DOJ – Virginia Settlement Agreement Hearing on DD Services in Virginia April 23rd & 24th

April 4, 2019April 4, 2019 Snap4kids

BIG NEWS!! CALLING ALL DISABILITY ADVOCATES!!

We are very excited to share that the Department of Justice is having a public hearing with the Commonwealth of Virginia. The hearing will discuss the progress of our settlement agreement in bringing community supports to people with developmental disabilities in Virginia. The hearing will be used to come up with a plan to complete the terms of the settlement before it is scheduled to end in 2021.

Anyone in attendance can hear first-hand what the plans will be going forward. Attendees cannot speak during the hearing, but your presence is critical to showing that we still care deeply about the settlement and want it fulfilled!

Here are the details:

Dates and Times: Tuesday and Wednesday, April 23rd and 24th at 9 AM (but you can come for just one day if it suits your schedule better)

Location: 701 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219

Parking: There are several open air lots within a block or two of the courthouse

Notes: No food, drink, or electronics allowed inside Registering just helps us keep track of how many Advocates plan to attend! YOU DO NOT HAVE TO REGISTER TO ATTEND.
Courthouse
701 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
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If you’ve never spoken at one of these, let me give you some pointers.
One, they do listen to what you say. Though it may not always feel like it.
Two, come with more stories than your own.
Three, put faces with your story. How do you do this. Write you speech. Place a photo of the person you are talking about with the speech. Make copies to hand to every congress person. That’s something they remember.
Four, don’t take no for an answer.
Five, remind them of how it was before someone came in and messed it all up. Explain in detail how they’ve messed it. Provide real life, multiple examples. And make sure you relay other people’s stories too.
Six, walk in there with an “I can do this attitude.” These are not people to be scared of. These are people you elected. They are there for you. So tell them what they need to be doing for you. Make them do their job. Don’t be aggressive. Just show them how the system has messed up. And how it’s caused a problem for thousands of individuals like your child. Even if it’s an adult child.
Trust me on all of this. I’ve done it. It works.
And remember the old story of picturing every in their undies. You’ll at least smile as you talk.
~ Pamula Floyd 4/4/19

Moms In Motion

Moms In Motion – The CCC Plus Wavier, Dental Services, Organ Donation Resources & so much MORE!

April 3, 2019April 3, 2019 Snap4kids

Find it Quick
What You and Your Service Facilitator Should be Discussing
Waivers
Maximizing Your Benefits
Fiscal Agents (Attendant Payroll)
Job Opportunities at Moms In Motion
Advocacy
Spotlight On…
Moms In Motion in the Community
Events & Tools You Can Use
Finding Attendants

What You and Your Service Facilitator Should be Discussing

1. New for this period:
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 DD Waivers (Building Independence, Family and Individual Supports or Community Living)? How to apply for the FIS or CL Waiver.

Review Mobility and Behavior/Orientation levels as noted on our reports. – Are they accurately reflecting your reality?

Which of the three Fiscal Agents are you using?

2. At every visit:
Are you enrolled in CCC Plus (Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus) Waiver?
If so, which Managed Care Organization (MCO) are you currently using? Let us know if it changes!
Is your child/are you on HIPP for Kids/HIPP?
Who is the Employee of Record (EOR)? Is that accurately reflected in your Fiscal Agent’s portal?
Changes: Any medical and/or functional changes since our last visit? Any recent hospitalizations? Who is your current Primary Care Physician (PCP)?
Who are your attendants and are they getting paid? Do you have a back-up caregiver? A back-up caregiver can not be the Primary Care Giver (PCG) or the Employer of Record (EOR).
Turning 18? There are steps you need to take to not lose services. Our amazing Resource Page for Young Adults will guide you through it and more!
Review time sheets. Make sure hours noted by attendant matches the hours worked 🙂
Confirm your authorizations via your Fiscal Agent’s Portal.

Waivers

Facts about The CCC Plus Wavier
The CCC Plus Waiver is a Medicaid program for elderly and individuals with disabilities to receive services in their homes and communities. These services can be consumer directed. Moms In Motion can be your Service Facilitator for consumer direct services. You are able to choose your attendant with consumer directed services. Read Moms In Motion’s CCC Plus Waiver Resource Page. Contact any one of Moms In Motion’s Family Resource Specialists to get your Waiver process started. They can guide you though the application process.

View what services and funding are covered by the CCC Plus Waiver. To request a screening to determine eligibility for a CCC Plus Waiver, contact your local Department of Social Services (DSS) (adults) or Department of Health (DOH) (kids).

Assessments are completed by representatives of the Heath Department and Social Services to determine if the individual is at risk of Nursing Home placement. If an individual meets that determination they most likely qualify for a CCC Plus Waiver.

You can not be denied a screening.

Screenings can take place when the individual is hospitalized. You do notneed Medicaid to be screened.

Personal Care is Now Under EPSDT for Individuals Under 21
In a Medicaid Bulletin it states that 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 benefi in lieu of a 1915 (c) Home and Community Based Services waiver.

Since Personal Care has been moved under EPSDT (a Medicaid program not a Waiver), 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)

Resources:
Read more in Moms In Motion’s Special Edition Newsletter.
Blank DMAS-7 and a sample of a filled out DMAS-7.
Moms In Motion’s Questions and Answers Video.

Tips/Notes:
Unfortunately, Moms In Motion cannot complete the DMAS-7. Therefore it falls to you to make sure the DMAS-7 is complete, correct and received on time to your Moms In Motion Service Facilitator.

We have noticed that hours are being reduced in general. While we are the ones that submit the doctor’s documentation for you, please note that Moms In Motion does not have control over how many hours get approved. It is up to the authorizing agency (DMAS, DBHDS, and/or one of the 6 MCO’s) to approve Personal Care Attendant hours.

In order to prevent a lapse or delay in service, please discuss your authorization renewal dates with your Service Facilitator to figure out when it makes sense to start talking to your doctor about this document.

A specialist cannot complete the DMAS-7, it needs to be filled out by a pediatrician, developmental pediatrician, or a primary care physician.

It is important that the doctor fills out the form properly! HERE IS A SAMPLE DMAS-7that is already filled out that you can show to your doctor to guide them. If you already have an authorization in place for Respite, you can use your respite hours until your personal care hours are authorized in order to bridge any sort of gap.

Without the DMAS-7 from the doctor there may be a delay in approval of authorizations and/or attendants may not be paid on time. It is important for parents to advocate to their doctor what supports their child needs, so no attendant hours are lost.

Authorizing entities (MCO’s, KePRO, DBHDS) make the final decision on hours approved. These requests are scrutinized each time they are submitted and a previous approval of X amount of Personal Care hours is not a guarantee to have the same hours regardless of the what the doctor puts on the DMAS-7.

If your Personal Care services are denied or reduced and you disagree, please consider filing an appeal. If denials and reductions are happening frequently and there are no appeals, Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) will not know the magnitude of the problem. Each managed care plan (MCO) has their own internal process to follow before filing an appeal with DMAS. When you were provided written notice about the reduction or denial of services, you should have received written directions about how to file an appeal. You can also contact your managed care plan for details about their appeal process. MCO contact information.

If your request for reconsideration of the reduction or denial is not successful with the managed care plan, you can still file an appeal directly to DMAS. DMAS appeal process information.

Even before you file an appeal, you can contact the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman for advocacy support. They have a contract with DMAS to provide advocacy assistance to people of all ages who are having problems getting services from their CCC Plus managed care plan.

Maximizing Your Benefits

DentaQuest
If you are having trouble finding a dentist contact DentaQuest. DentaQuest is driven by their mission to improve the oral health of all, and to achieve a nation free of dental disease. They envision a nation where no child suffers from the pain of tooth decay, and where adults keep all their teeth for their entire lives. They believe every person should access to quality dental care.

Read details such as, what dental procedures are covered and more information in the DentaQuest, LLC Virginia Medicaid Programs Office Reference Manual.

Dentaquest: 855-208-6330
To find a dentist, call, Customer Service: 888-912-3456
Smiles for Children Provider Relations: 888-912-3456, Option 1

To Report Fraud and Abuse call: 800-237-9139

Mail suggestions, complaints, etc, to:
DentaQuest
P.O. BOX 2906
Milwaukee, WI 53201

Compare the adult dental benefits on the six CCC Plus MCOs

Call your MCO to learn about what dental services are covered:
Aetna Better Health of Virginia CCC Plus: 844-824-2018
Magellan Complete Care of Virginia CCC Plus: 844-824-2016
Virginia HealthKeepers CCC Plus: 844-824-2017
Virginia Premier Health Plan Member Services: 844-822-8115
Anthem HealthKeepers, Inc. Member Services: 855-208-6330

Tips:
CCC Plus covers certain procedures that may be different than the procedures covered by your MCO. Get informed before making a dental appointment. Sample questions to ask the dentist office before you make an appointment.

Opportunities!
VBPD The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD) are currently looking for multiple new members to fill more than half a dozen vacancies. VBPD serves as Virginia’s Developmental Disabilities (DD) Council. DD Councils are in every state and territory of the United States. They work for the benefit of individuals with DD and their families to identify needs and help develop policies, programs and services that will meet these needs in a manner that respects dignity and independence. If you or someone you know would be interested serving with the Board, apply today! Board members serve four-year terms and can be reappointed once. The Board meets four times each year in the Richmond area.
Applications for current vacancies should be submitted by May 1, 2019, for fastest review.

Eligibility:
Parent or guardian of an adult with a developmental disability
Parent or guardian of a child 18 and under with a developmental disability
Immediate relative or guardian of an adult with a developmental disability who cannot advocate for themselves
A person with a developmental disability
To be considered, simply complete and submit the required online application. If you’ve already applied in the past, a new application is not required. You can find the required online application at https://solutions.virginia.gov/OASYS/. The Board is located in the Health and Human Resources (HHR) Secretariat.

For more information about serving on the Board, visit www.vaboard.org/aboutvbpd.htm#appointment. If you need help with the application, you can call the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office at (804) 786-2441 or use the TTY/TDD line at (800) 828-1120

Va-LEND The Va-LEND Program is currently seeking people who are interested in becoming Disability Advocacy Trainees in the 2019-2020 Va-LEND Program. Virginia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities is accepting applications. The one- to two-year graduate level program, funded by the Partnership for People with Disabilities (within VCU’s School of Education), teaches trainees to work as leaders and advocates in the field of neurodevelopmental disabilities and disability leadership. Apply by June 1. For more information, contact Donald Oswald, Interim Associate Director at valend@vcu.edu or call (804) 828-0073. Application | Website | Video featuring a Medium-Term Trainee with a disability See Va-LEND Trainees presentations on May 1, 2019 4pm in Richmond. Flyer

Medicaid Member Advisory Committee Are you a Medicaid member or does a member of your family have Medicaid coverage? Do you have ideas about how to improve the program to better serve you and your family and others?

The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) is seeking participants for a new Medicaid Member Advisory Committee. This advisory committee will be made up entirely of Virginia Medicaid members, family members or other representatives and they will play a key role in the review of new and existing health policies and services, making recommendations to the DMAS Director.

Why should you participate?
You will have the opportunity to play an active role in improving Virginia Medicaid
You will meet and work with other members from across the Commonwealth who are motivated to improve Virginia Medicaid for everyone who has coverage through the program
Travel expenses will be covered by the agency
Meals and parking will be provided for meetings
The committee will hold its first meeting in mid-March 2019. DMAS is seeking individuals to participate in the four quarterly meetings taking place this year. If you are interested in being considered for membership on the committee, please contact Walter Burton at Walter.Burton@DMAS.Virginia.Gov or (804) 418-4529. View flyer.

Free Things, Resources & Grants for All Things Disability Related Blog – The Complete List of Free Things and Grants for Kids with Special Needs
Facebook Album – Helpful Resources for Virginians with Disabilities Database – Custom Search Options to Disability Resources Tailored to You
Facebook Album – Examples of what Ability Unlimited can request through Medicaid funding. (AT = Assistive Technology, EM = Environmental Modifications, DME = Durable Medical Equipment)
Summer Camp List – Locations all over Virginia!
Free lifetime passes to Virginia National Parks | Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Your local Parks & Recreation may have a reduced priced application for an annual membership for an adult/child with a disability. Your Recreation Center may offer Therapeutic Recreation programs. Or consider signing up for their regular programs for a great opportunity to practice inclusion!

Fiscal Agents (Attendant Payroll) One MCO (Magellan) and FFS Waivers have switched fiscal agents for the Medicaid waiver-funded Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) programs. Fiscal agents manage payroll and taxes for Personal Care Attendants.

It’s important for you to know which fiscal agent you use. Please make sure your Moms In Motion Service Facilitator knows which fiscal agent you are using. The three have differences and it’s important you know which one you need to be registered with so your attendants will be paid on time.

Which Fiscal Agent should you be using? Moms In Motion’s Guide with fiscal agents helpline contact information.

Moms In Motion’s PPL Attendant Resource Page
Moms In Motion Resources for all three fiscal agents Packets, payroll schedules, guides, etc.

Employee of Record (EOR) Manual March 2015

Tips:
Your back-up caregiver can not be the Primary Care Giver (PCG) or the Employer of Record (EOR). You may choose a family member, neighbor, friend, or paid employee willing and available to assist the individual when needed. Your Service Facilitator or Case Manager or Support Coordinator may not be the back-up person. A back-up caregiver is someone who is NOT the Primary Care Giver (PCG) and NOT the attendant. A backup caregiver is the secondary person who will assume the role of providing direct care to and support of the waiver individual in instances of emergencies and in the absence of the Primary Care Giver (PCG) who is unable to care for the individual. Failure to identify a back-up person/caregiver could result in termination of services.

If you don’t have a back-up person, consider relationship building in your community. Watch this video series featuring Al Condeluci on building relationships for people with disabilities in their community.
Please give your Moms In Motion Service Facilitator the name of your back-up caregiver.
Attendants can not start working until authorizations are approved. Ask your Moms In Motion Service Facilitator the start date for time sheets.

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

Job Opportunities at Moms In Motion

Join Our Team!

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!!!

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

Get a gift for referring someone! If you know someone that would make a great Service Facilitator, please refer them to Moms In Motion. Ask them to put your name and contact info on their application. If they work out as an employee, you could receive a gift for your referral. Service Facilitators make a positive difference in the lives of the individuals and families they serve. Moms In Motion is in its tenth year as a Service Facilitation Provider! We are the Biggest because we are the Best! Come Work with the Best 🙂

Advocacy

How the Changes to EPSDT are Impacting Families
An eye opening news article was published about changes to the EPSDT Program which impacts children with disabilities in Virginia. Many parents have been scrambling to comply with new regulations that leave their children at risk due to cuts their Personal Care Services.

Quote from the article, published by The Free Lance-Star in Fredericksburg, Virginia on March 16, 2019:

“Yet as a result of recent changes, the amount of time Medicaid will pay attendants to help with her care has dropped from 80 hours to 49 hours a week. Similar reductions are happening statewide as the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, which administers Medicaid, tries to cut costs.”

Full article:
As Medicaid Changes, Local Family Struggle Cuts impact ‘the most fragile in our Medicaid system’

Free Training on The Americans with Disabilities Act
The Rocky Mountain ADA Center is committed to educating everyone on both the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the technical application of the law. Their team of dedicated staff members design training to inform and educate participants on the impact the ADA has on all Americans. Understanding how disability rights effect not only those living with a disability but everyone is the driving force behind all that the Rocky Mountain ADA Center does! The Center provides a wide range of training options. They have great ADA training source for individuals with disabilities, businesses, state and local agencies, transit agencies, architects and designers, disability organizations, or anyone who want to know how the ADA affects them.

Current classes cover: Service Animals and the ADA Title I, II, and III Disability Awareness and Etiquette Accessible Voting Places 2010 ADA Standards Sign up for free Rocky Mountain ADA Center Online Training.

“… Civil rights are not a guarantee of the good life, but an equal opportunity and responsibility to participate in producing the good life for oneself and for all. Government alone cannot implement ADA; this is a responsibility of all Americans…” – Justin Dart. Dart is known as the father of the ADA.

The Case for Inclusion
The Case for Inclusion 2019 is a comprehensive data tool that examines how well programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia are serving residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The data collected is designed to equip advocates with the data and resources they need to advocate on behalf of deeper investments in the long-term supports and services that enable people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be included, supported and empowered in the community.

Virginia Mental Health Access Program
The Virginia Mental Health Access Program (VMAP) will help close the gap in care for the children and adolescents in our state who are without access to the best mental health services.

VMAP has received three separate grants and has partners and supporters throughout the state committed to helping children get the treatment they need. The program is already providing services in some regions. The $1.23 million allocated in the Governor’s budget will get VMAP off the ground and enable it to fully expand statewide.

More details here.

Other Resources:

NAMI Virginia – the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Virginia
REACH – Regional Educational Educational Assessment Crisis Response and Habilitation