New DD Waiver Slots Roll Out Across the State

As you know, during the 2018 General Assembly Session, 1,695 new DD Waivers were approved.  These slots will be divided between State Fiscal Year 2019 & 2020.  Follow the links below to find information on how those slots are broken down between the Community Living Waiver, Family & Individual Supports Waiver, and the Building Independence Waiver, as well as a list of assignments to each Community Service Board (CSB).

Link to DD Slot Allocation Chart

Link to Slot Distribution by CSB

2018 Individual and Family Support Program

Applications may be submitted from October 10-November 10, 2018. This is a first come first served program.

For more information on how to apply for IFSP click here

Individuals on the DD Waiver Wait List are eligible to apply for the Individual and Family Support Program (IFSP).  The IFSP is designed to assist individuals 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.  Individuals may apply online for up to $1,000 worth of supports and services.

DD Waiver Adds Three New Services

Three new services were added to the Developmental Disabilities Medicaid Waiver program.  The new services are Community Guide, Peer Mentoring and Benefits Planning. All three of these services are available in the three types of DD Waivers: Building Independence, Family and Individual Supports and Community Living.

To read more about the new services click here.

Electronic Visit Verification, “EVV” is Coming

The Dept. of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) is tentatively requiring EVV for Agency and Consumer Directed personal care, respite care, and companion services provided beginning October 1, 2019.

Background:

The 21st Century CURES Act 2016 requires that Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) be implemented by January 2020 for certain Medicaid services. EVV is a technology system used to verify electronically that a caregiver provides Medicaid personal care services.    The 2017 Virginia Appropriations Act expanded the use of EVV to include consumer directed personal care, respite and companion services.

EVV systems must be able to verify:

1. Type of service performed;
2. Individual receiving the service;
3. Date of the service;
4. Location of service delivery (in the individual’s home or community);
5. Individual providing the services;
6. Time the service begins and ends.

EVV is to provide a level of assurance that the caregiver is onsite to provide the services identified in the plan of care.  It is a tool to reduce fraud, waste and abuse which promotes the integrity of the system.

The Arc of Virginia worked with DMAS and other key stakeholders advocating for the EVV system to respect the privacy, dignity and independence of individuals receiving services in a manner that ensures community integration and is minimally burdensome. The Arc of Virginia’s efforts will continue to focus on promoting the engagement and involvement of people with disabilities and their families in developing Virginia’s EVV program and in providing timely and effective communication with stakeholders. 

Click for more information about EVV.

More Changes for DD and CCC Plus Waivers, EPSDT and Medicaid Works

Fiscal/employer agent (F/EA) changes for consumer directed personal care, respite and companion services in the Medicaid DD and CCC Plus Waivers, EPSDT and Medicaid Works programs will begin on January 1, 2019.

DMAS issued a contract award to a new F/EA for participants using Consumer Directed (CD) services reimbursed through fee for service (not managed care). This includes services provided through the DD CL and FIS waivers, as well as those excluded from the CCC Plus managed care program including HIPP participants.  Consumer Direct Care Network (CDCN) is the new fiscal agent effective January 1, 2019. In October DMAS, PPL and CDCN will be contacting EORs, Services Facilitators, participants and attendants about the change, transition process and Town Halls.

• Effective January 1, 2019, managed care organizations (MCOs) for the CCC Plus and Medallion 4.0 (EPSDT) programs will subcontract with their own F/EA vendor to provide services for their members. Aetna Better Health of Virginia, Anthem HealthKeepers Plus, Optima Health, United Healthcare, and Virginia Premier Health Plan will continue to use PPL as their F/EA vendor.
• Aetna Better Health of Virginia will subcontract with Consumer Direct Care Network for new enrollments beginning in the Roanoke and Southwest regions.
• Magellan Complete Care will subcontract with ACES$ Financial Management Services.

Each MCO will make information available about their F/EA vendor during the open enrollment period. Existing members/EORs and services facilitators will receive communications detailing enrollment changes and instructions for the new vendors.

More details in DMAS Medicaid Memo

DD Waiver
Supports Packages

As a Pilot Program for Service Packages rolls out across the State, The Arc of Virginia will be working to bring information to individuals and families on how these packages may impact your services and how they can work for your life.  

2019 Advocacy Agenda

We are working now to develop the final 2019 Legislative Agenda.  Watch for updates on how you can be involved along with the details of the DD Advocacy Days for 2019!!  

 

Make your Voice Heard in the 2018 Midterm Elections!

Lyft & Uber are offering Free or Reduced Rides to the Polls!  Click below for details!

Ride to the Polls

 

 

 

 

 

Action Alert

Urge Congress to Pass the EMPOWER Care Act

 

Major Recent Events

Rights – Senate Approves Kavanaugh Nomination

On October 6, the Senate approved the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court by a vote of 50 to 48. Read The Arc’s statement on Judge Kavanaugh’s appointment here.

Transportation – Senate Approves FAA Reauthorization

On October 3, the Senate approved the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2018 by a vote of 93-6. This bill includes numerous provisions that benefit people with disabilities, including required training for Transportation Security Administration officers on working with passengers with disabilities, increased civil penalties for bodily harm to a passenger with a disability or damage to wheelchairs or other mobility aids, a new Advisory Committee on Air Travel Needs of Passengers with Disabilities, and a study of potential in-cabin wheelchair restraint systems that will allow passengers to remain in their wheelchairs during flight. The bill now heads to the President’s desk.

Social Security – Senate Committee Holds Hearing on Nomination of SSA Commissioner

On October 2, the Senate Committee on Finance held a hearing on the Nomination of Andrew M. Saul, of New York, to be Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) for the term expiring January 19, 2019. Visit the Committee web site for more information or to access live video on the day of the hearing.

 

Announcements

Miscellaneous – New AoD Commissioner Appointed

Julie Hocker became the new Commissioner of the Administration on Disabilities (AoD) within the Administration on Community Living (ACL) on October 1. Ms. Hocker joins ACL from the Charles Koch Foundation, where she served as a senior manager since 2016. In that role, she led several key initiatives to improve the foundation’s operations, including development of an integrated technology and data solution for fundraising, grantmaking and expenditures; redesigning process to improve investment tracking and enable better analysis of effectiveness; and creation and implementation of risk-management processes. Read more here.

Education – Report on State ESSA Plans and Students with Disabilities Released

The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) has released a report titled “Assessing ESSA: Missed Opportunities for Students with Disabilities”. The report rates states on whether their accountability systems under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) include students with disabilities, whether they are developing support systems to help struggling schools meet the needs of students with disabilities, and whether the plan meaningfully includes and discusses the needs of students with disabilities. The report shows that most states had low long-term goals for students with disabilities. For example, New York’s long-term graduation rate goal for students with disabilities is 63% and New Mexico aims only for a 50% proficiency rate in mathematics and English language arts for students with disabilities. Read the report here.

 

 

 

Action Alert

Protect the Civil Rights of People with Disabilities: Oppose Judge Kavanaugh’s Confirmation

Urge Congress to Pass the EMPOWER Care Act

 

Major Events Ahead

Social Security – Senate Committee to Hold Hearing on Nomination of SSA Commissioner

On October 2, the Senate Committee on Finance will hold a hearing on the Nomination of Andrew M. Saul, of New York, to be Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) for the term expiring January 19, 2019. Visit the Committee web site for more information or to access live video on the day of the hearing.

 

Major Recent Events

Tax – House Approves Tax Cut Package

On September 28, the House of Representatives approved a package of three tax bills (H.R. 6760, H.R. 6757, H.R. 6756), collectively referred to as “Tax Reform 2.0” by a vote of 220-191. The centerpiece of the package, H.R. 6760, makes permanent the individual tax cuts from last year’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that are presently set to expire in 2025. The Tax Policy Center estimates that tax revenues would fall by $3.2 trillion over a 10-year period under H.R. 6760, on top of the $1.9 trillion that last year’s tax law is already expected to cost. The Senate is not expected to take up the measure prior to the mid-term elections. The Arc opposes Tax Reform 2.0 as it sharply reduces federal revenue, extends tax cuts that primarily benefit wealthy individuals, and will create greater pressure to cut critical programs for people with disabilities. Read more from CCD here.

Budget & Appropriations – FY 2019 L-HHS-ED Funding Bill Signed into Law

On September 28, President Trump signed into law a measure that funds the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (L-HHS-ED) for fiscal year (FY) 2019 that begins on October 1. The measure also includes funding for the Department of Defense and a continuing resolution for other federal agencies until December 7. The package had been approved by the House on September 26. Most of The Arc’s priority programs were level funded or received slight increases and controversial policy riders have been removed. Additionally, $300,000 was added to fund the Caregiving Advisory Council established under the RAISE Family Caregivers Act and $5 million was added to fund Care Corps, a network of volunteer caregivers. The House is expected to vote on the package this week. Funding levels for The Arc’s priority programs can be found here.

Social Security – House Committee Holds Hearing on SSA’s Information Technology

On September 27, the House Ways and Means Committee Social Security Subcommittee held a hearing on the “State of Social Security’s Information Technology.” Witnesses were Rajive Mathur, Deputy Commissioner of Systems and Chief Information Officer, Social Security Administration; Gale Stallworth Stone, Acting Inspector General, Social Security Administration; and Carol C. Harris, Director, Information Technology Management Issues, Government Accountability Office. Visit the Committee web site to review testimony and archived video.

Action Alert

Protect the Civil Rights of People with Disabilities: Oppose Judge Kavanaugh’s Confirmation

Urge Congress to Pass the EMPOWER Care Act

Major Recent Events

Budget & Appropriations – Committee Approves FY 2019 Defense and L-HHS-ED Package

On September 13, a conference committee approved an appropriations package that funds the Departments of Defense and Labor Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (L-HHS-ED) for fiscal year (FY) 2019 that begins on October 1. Most of The Arc’s priority programs were level funded or received slight increases and controversial policy riders have been removed. The Senate is expected to vote on final passage this week, and the House during the week of September 24. Funding levels for The Arc’s priority programs can be found here.

Tax – House Committee Approves Second Round of Tax Cuts

On September 13, the House Ways and Means Committee approved a package of three tax bills (H.R. 6760, H.R. 6757, H.R. 6756), collectively referred to as “Tax Reform 2.0”. H.R. 6760 makes permanent the individual tax cuts from last year’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that are presently set to expire in 2025; H.R. 6757 makes various changes to retirement savings rules, including allowing penalty-free withdrawals for expenses related to birth or adoption; and H.R. 6756 makes various tax changes for startup companies. The full House is expected to vote on the package by the end of the month. House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) has said he wants the measure voted on before leaving for the recess and the final campaign push before November. The Arc opposes Tax Reform 2.0 as it sharply reduces federal revenue, extends tax cuts that primarily benefit wealthy individuals, and will create greater pressure to cut critical programs for people with disabilities. Read more from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities here and see the statement from CCD’s Fiscal Policy Task Force here.

Announcements

Employment / Income Support – New Briefs, Video Highlight the Need for Paid Leave in the Disability Community

The Arc and the Research and Training Center on Community Living at the University of Minnesota have released two new data briefs from the Family & Individual Needs for Disability Supports (FINDS) survey. The briefs look at the work experiences and outcomes of families of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and the need for paid leave policies. One brief focuses on parents raising children with I/DD, while a second brief focuses on family caregivers of adults with I/DD. In addition, The Arc has released a new video which shares a personal story highlighting the importance of access to paid leave for people with disabilities and their families. Learn more at https://www.thearc.org/paidleave.

Health – CMS Announces Navigator Grants

On September 12, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced grants awarded for the Federally-Facilitated Exchange Navigator Program. Total funding has been reduced to $10 million which is down from $63 million in 2016 and $36 million in 2017. Navigators are charged with assisting consumers in choosing health plans. The administration is also eliminating a requirement that grantees have a physical presence in the area in which they operate. The Administration is also encouraging navigators to inform consumers about association health plans and short-term limited duration health plans, which do not have the protections of the Affordable Care Act. To find the navigator grantees in your state visit this list.

Action Alert

Urge Congress to Pass the EMPOWER Care Act

Major Recent Events

Health – HHS Releases Final Rule Regarding ACA Non-Compliant Short-Term Plans

On August 1, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a final rule regarding the sale of short-term limited duration insurance (STLDI). The final rule changes the duration limit from three months to less than 12 months and allows renewal for up to 36 months. STLDI plans are not required to cover the essential health benefits generally required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), such as rehabilitative and habilitative services, and mental health and substance abuse services. Furthermore, these plans can deny coverage or charge more because of a pre-existing condition, rescind coverage, and impose lifetime and annual limits. The Arc remains concerned that the expansion of these plans will lead to healthier individuals exiting ACA marketplaces and drive up costs for people who need more comprehensive coverage, such as people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. Read The Arc’s statement here.

Tax Policy – House Outline for Additional Tax Cuts Released

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) has released a Listening Session Framework for what is being referred to as “Tax Reform 2.0”. The outline includes making permanent the individual and small business tax cuts in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Permanent extension of the individual and small business tax cuts, that are presently set to expire in 2025, would reduce revenues by $1 trillion over ten years – increasing pressure to cut vital federal programs for people with disabilities. Chairman Brady has stated that he intends to bring a legislative package to the floor in September. If both chambers pass a concurrent budget resolution for fiscal year 2019, it would be possible for the Senate to approve additional tax cut legislation by a simple majority.

Social Security/Employment – Senator Introduces Bill to Fund Paid Parental Leave by Cutting Social Security

On August 1, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the Economic Security for New Parents Act (S.3345). This bill allows workers to receive 12 weeks paid leave after the birth or adoption of a child by reducing their Social Security retirement benefits. Representative Ann Wagner (R-MO) has indicated that she plans to introduce similar legislation in September. The bill does not provide medical leave or leave to care for a family member with a serious medical condition. The Arc opposes S.3345; read The Arc’s statement here.

Due to the August Congressional recess, the Capitol Insider will not be published next week.