| The Moms In Motion Leadership Team Look whose turning 10! Moms In Motion will turn 10 in 2019! Over the last 10 years, we have grown tremendously in:the number of families we serve (from 1 to 6,000) the number of team members we support to bring that service to families (from 1 to 160+)rising to face the new challenges of changes in the programsmorphing from a “Mom-and-“…oh, yeah, just a “Mom” company to a full fledged employer of 160+ people, with Training, Finance, HR, IT, Social Media & Admin Departments, Oh-My. Our #1 2019 Goal: An Abundance of Fully Trained, Effective & Fulfilled Team Members. Why? What does that mean to you? It means: Advocacy – Those Family Resource Specialists who help people new to the waiver systems and navigate getting on one and those who are on a waiver to adjust to the changes and leverage opportunities. Compassion – People at every level of our service delivery identifying with your needs means they will work very hard and with the utmost integrity to ensure that your services stay in place uninterrupted and are accessed as easily as possible. Excellence – Leveraging our experience to improve our systems and service delivery. Service – Service, Service, Service. You will see a marked improvement in the service you receive from our team this year. Dream Team – We now have the #DreamTeam of Division & Department Managers fully in-place. Recently we have welcomed, Anna Davila, Yolanda Simmons, Christin Falvella, Marcie Adkins & Jennifer Smith as new Division Managers. They round out our team with Donna Hall, Lauren Becker (6 yrs In Motion), Lynn Chapman, Heather Jennelle, Ivy Kennedy (8 yrs – Holla!), Polly Mathews, Melissa Mellon, Sarah Williamson, Katrina Zepp and their fearless leader, Joy Spencer. We are well on our way to achieving our #1 2019 Goal and seeing the rewards in all areas starting with client and team member satisfaction. Employee Referral Program – Recommend someone great to work with Moms, Get $200! –In order to find new great talent to add to our #DreamTeam and achieve our #1 2019 Goal, we have implemented many positive recruiting strategies. We are offering an Employee Referral Program to YOU! If you know someone looking for a job who would be a great fit with Moms, send them to our website. If they are hired and prove to be a great fit, we will say Thank You with $200. ***(Rules apply, see below)*** |
| 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 backup caregiver?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 match hours worked :-)Confirm your authorizations via your Fiscal Agent’s Portal. |
| Waivers |
| 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 benefit 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 cannot complete the DMAS-7 ourselves 🙁 Therefore it falls to you to make sure the DMAS-7 is complete, correct & received on time by your Moms In Motion Service Facilitator. 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-7 that 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. |
| Maximizing Your Benefits |
| Latest News on the IFSP (Individual and Family Support Program) The Individual and Family Support Program (IFSP) is designed to assist individuals on the DD Waiver wait list and their families to access short-term, person/family centered resources, supports and services. These services and items funded through the IFSP are intended to support the continued residence of an individual in their own or family home in the community. If your wait list status changes before you receive additional notifications from the IFSP (for example: you receive a waiver, you leave the wait list, or you move out of state), please send IFSP your updated information using the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ifspchangeform. Note: This form will only accept information updates. Please do not use it to send messages or questions to the IFSP Program. IFSP staff have completed their initial review of FY 2019 application requests and have begun issuing funds to approved FY 2019 applicants. This year they received almost 4,500 requests for assistance. At this time with the available monies, they are able to fund 3,028 applicants who met all of the IFSP criteria. Before you use your Way2Go Card, there are a few things IFSP staff would like for you to know: Look carefully and do not throw away any of your mail! For security purposes, the letter and card will arrive in an unmarked plain envelope with a return address from Austin, TX. All cards will be mailed directly to the address that was provided for the Responsible Party when the application was completed. If you need to change your address, please contact IFSP staff using the Address Change Form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ifspchangeform. Do not make any purchases with the card until January 21, 2019. IFSP Staff will not accept any receipts for purchases made before 1/21/19. Instructions for submitting receipts will be sent out January 22, 2019 via email. You must submit receipts. Each Responsible Party will receive one pre-loaded Way2Go Card within 5-10 business days of receiving the announcement email. The card will include the total award amount that was approved for all of the Responsible Party’s applications. You will need to authorize your card before you can use it. You can authorize your card by downloading the mobile app, visiting the www.goprogram.com website, or calling 800- 961-8423. Additional instruction on how to authorize and use the card will be sent via email to the Responsible Party. If you have not received the Way2Go Card by January 31st, please contact Conduent, the card vendor, by calling their customer service line: 800-961-8423. Helpful Resources: Way2Go Card FAQ Way2Go Card YouTube Tutorial If you have specific questions about your Way2Go Card, Conduent is the vendor that has been selected by DBHDS to provide customer service for the Way2Go Card. For all questions related to the Way2Go MasterCard, customers should visit www.goprogram.com or call customer service’s toll free number at 800-961-8423. As always, if you need general assistance with the Way2Go Card or the IFSP Funding Program, please contact My Life, My Community (operated by SeniorNavigator) by phone at (844) 603-9248. Maximizing Your IFSP Funds: A detailed guide to allowed items and low to no cost resources for commonly requested items. Read information and log in to see your IFSP application status. Stay up to date on the next IFSP funding period with Moms In Motion’s Newsletters! Subscribe here. |
| The Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program The Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program (VLRVP) provides reimbursement vouchers to Virginia caregivers who reside full-time, in the same household as the person receiving care, for the cost of temporary, short-term respite care provided to individuals, of any age, with a diagnosis of dementia and for grandparents or relative caregivers providing care to a child not more than 18 years of age or an individual 19 to 59 years of age who has a severe disability. Priority will be given to assist those caregivers with the greatest social and economic need. Respite funding is limited to $400.00 per family through July 31, 2021 or until funds are exhausted. Funds may NOT be used to reimburse household expenses or daycare (to go to work or other daycare). Due to limited funds, not all eligible applications will be approved. |
| The Partners in Policymaking Program The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD) are now accepting applications for the 2019-2020 Partners in Policymaking program. Applications are due by March 15, 2019 by 5pm. Class begins September 13, 2019. The 2019-2020 session of Partners in Policymaking begins September 13, 2019, and runs through April 4, 2020, across seven two-day sessions in the Richmond area. Applications are accepted from individuals with developmental disabilities or parents of children with developmental disabilities. VBPD covers all expenses for participants’ training, lodging, meals, and travel. The group of selected participants, consisting of parents and self-advocates, will build networks with state and national leaders as well as one another. Receive hands-on instruction from experts and thought leaders from around the country to make you the best you can be. Have an impact, and become a Partner in Policymaking! Participants will be educated on best practices and current trends in many areas including: – History of Disability Movements – Inclusive Education – Building Inclusive Communities – Communication & Team Building – Self-Advocacy – Supported Employment – Natural Supports – Legislative Process and Strategies – Independent Living – Personal Futures Planning – Assistive Technology The Empowering Life Story of a Partners in Policymaking Graduate Rob is a 35-year survivor of a spinal cord injury that resulted in him becoming a quadriplegic at the age of 17-years-old. In 2005, Rob developed an infection, which led to the loss of his independence. He had to give up his apartment to live in an institution / nursing home. He had several medical complications following this infection, which led Rob to becoming homeless with nowhere to turn for assistance. With no other alternatives, Rob had to agree to being housed in several different nursing homes in the Tidewater area. There, at the nursing home his restless researching led him to his second lease on life. He discovered the Money Follows the Person Program (MFP), and Partners in Policymaking. He found funding to purchase his first wheelchair-accessible van with the help of a loan through Virginia’s Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority. Soon after, Rob found his way to college! With the assistance from the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Service (DARS), he now has a Bachelor of Science degree. His goal is to help individuals and family members affected by substance abuse and/or homelessness in the Human Services field. Due to his age at the onset of his disability, he received a Developmental Disability Waiver in 2009. Some of the many benefits Rob has experienced due to his DD Waiver are being his own Employer of Record and hiring his own attendants as well as obtaining Assistive Technology and Environmental Modifications. Moms In Motion congratulates Rob on a job well done! Read Rob’s entire story his own words, here. |
| Charitable Fund Award Established in 2009 to support Commonwealth Community Trust‘s mission of helping people with special needs improve their quality of life, this grant program/award offers assistance with the purchase of equipment, medication or services to Virginia residents who demonstrate a financial need. The recipient must live in Virginia and have a disability that meets the SSA definition of being disabled. Disability for adults is defined as the inability to engage in “substantial gainful activity.” There must be a physical or mental impairment that can be expected to last at least 1 year. A child must have a physical or mental condition that very seriously limits his or her activities and is expected to last at least 1 year. The recipient must meet Federal poverty guidelines and/or receives SSI benefits.Online application period opened January 14, 2019 and will close March 28, 2019.For 2019, the maximum amount per recipient will be $1,000. |
| Ability Unlimited’s New Facebook Group! Ability Unlimited a provider for Assistive Technology (AT), Environmental Modifications (EM) and Durable Medical Equipment (DME) now has a public Facebook group! You can post questions and network with others and learn their experiences about the devices that work the best. Ability Unlimited’s team members are monitoring posts and will be available to answer questions in the group. Ability Unlimited can help by submitting requests to provide access to devices available for people with a wide range of disabilities, including those who have sensory, vision and mobility issues. Ability Unlimited provides AT, EM, DME to people with special needs who have Virginia Medicaid either through a waiver or that qualify for EPSDT (VA Medicaid + under the age of 21). Ability Unlimited can also provide devices, etc through private funding means. Ability Unlimited assists you to navigate the process. Ability Unlimited is here to provide you what you need to live life unlimited! They welcome you to join their Facebook group! |
| Resources for Tax Season The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) This is a benefit for working people with low to moderate income. To qualify, you must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if you do not owe any tax or are not required to file. EITC reduces the amount of tax you owe and may give you a refund. Many individuals with disabilities or persons with children with disabilities qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit. The Earned Income Tax Credit is a pathway out of poverty for millions of Americans with disabilities.Difficulty of Care Federal Income Tax Exclusion There are tax exemptions for family members who are caregivers living in the same residence. If you take care of an adult who is living with you in your home, your pay is exempt from income tax! So, if a parent is taking care of an adult child, their pay is exempt from income taxes. Also, if you have someone living in your home who you take care of full time, your pay is also exempt! IRS Notice 2014-7 Excludable Income – When a direct care worker (receiving Medicaid based Personal Care Attendant payments) lives with the participant that they provide services to, their income may be excluded from Federal Income Tax. In order to qualify for the exclusion they must be able to answer YES to all the statements below: – I provide services to the individual participant in my home. (It doesn’t matter who owns or rents the home.) – I do not have a separate home where I reside. – This is the home where I reside and regularly perform the routines of private life, including shared meals and holidays with family. Note: Does not apply to Act 150 program participants. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) VITA is for people with low income, people with disabilities, seniors, and others who need special help. Haven’t completed your taxes yet? You may be eligible for free assistance with filing your taxes and applying for the Earned Income Tax Credit. VITA volunteers are certified and trained by the Internal Revenue Service and can help you prepare a basic return. In addition to VITA, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS. Senior and Disabled Tax Relief ProgramsElderly Citizens and Disabled Persons who meet certain criteria may be granted relief from all or part of their real estate taxes, personal property tax on one vehicle, the vehicle registration/license fee, and the solid waste fee. Eligibility criteria may change from year to year. Each locality has it’s own program, so research the guidelines in your city or county as they may vary. |
| Fiscal Agents (Attendant Payroll) 1 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 PageMoms In Motion Resources for all three fiscal agents Packets, payroll schedules, guides, etc. |
| Employee of Record (EOR) Manual March 2015 |
| Tips: A backup caregiver is someone who is NOT the primary caregiver and NOT the attendant. “Backup caregiver” means 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 caregiver who is unable to care for the individual. Failure to identify a backup person/caregiver could result in termination of services. Attendants with Consumer Direct Care Network (CDCN) may have gotten small deposits for FICA. Attendants can not start working until authorizations are approved. DMAS/Kepro are in charge of authorizations for Fee For Service (FFS). Moms In Motion does not authorize Personal Care hours. See CCC Plus Waiver Pre-authorization process chart. MySupport Virginia – Access is ending for Anthem CCC+ members. Some of MySupport’s contracts will be coming to an end shortly. Members enrolled with Anthem’s CCC+ program will continue to have access to MySupport until February 1st. Members enrolled in the DD Waiver or HIPP programs will have access to MySupport until at least April 1st, with further decisions regarding the DD Waiver/HIPP population to come from the Department after that. Other resources to help you find attendants. |
| 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 the Biggest because we are the Best!Come Work with the Best 🙂 |
| Advocacy |
| An Update From The Arc’s Center For Future Planning The Arc’s Center for Future Planning is currently working on a project with The Arc of Massachusetts to learn more about the supports that people with I/DD need to make their own healthcare decisions. We recently held focus groups for self-advocates and health care professionals in Massachusetts to learn more about their experiences and recommendations. Special needs attorneys will also provide feedback. Based on feedback from these groups, The Arc plans to create materials that empower individuals with I/DD to manage their own healthcare. Visit The Arc’s Center for Future Planning to learn more about supported decision-making and other alternatives to guardianship. Watch a video series on supported decision-making and other alternatives to guardianship. |
| Research to Roadmap: Family Caregiving Support The Family Support Research and Training Center (FSRTC) released |