Capitol Insider

The Capitol Insider for the week of January 22, 2019

Major Recent Events

Budget & Appropriations: House Passes Funding Bills to End Partial Government Shutdown

On January 18, the House passed a six-week continuing resolution (CR) by voice vote to extend temporary funding through February 28 for agencies that are not presently funded. The CR contains six spending bills that were negotiated by the House and Senate last fall: Agriculture, Transportation-HUD, Financial Services, Interior-Environment, State and Foreign Ops, and Commerce-Justice-Science. The package also includes a way to pay furloughed federal employees. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) will not bring any spending measure to the Senate for a vote unless the President has agreed to sign it. President Trump maintains he will not sign the measures to end the partial shutdown if they do not include $5.7 billion for the border wall with Mexico. The Arc supports promptly restoring funding for agencies funded through the Commerce-Justice-Science and Transportation-HUD appropriations packages as these agencies operate programs important to people with disabilities.

Medicaid/LTSS: Senate Approves MFP Extension

On January 17, the Senate approved H.R.259, which extends the Money Follows the Person (MFP) Program until September 30. The MFP program 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 March 31. 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. The bill now awaits President Trump’s signature. The Arc would like to thank advocates who contacted their Members of Congress on this important issue.

Rights/LTSS: Disability Integration Act Reintroduced

On January 15, Representative James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) reintroduced the Disability Integration Act (H.R.555/S.117). The Disability Integration Act requires states to offer community-based options. Additionally, it requires states to address the need for affordable housing. ADAPT and other advocates held a briefing on the day of introduction.

Congress: New Ways and Means Committee Members Announced

Ranking Member Kevin Brady (R-TX) announced the following new members of the House Ways and Means Committee: Representatives Ron Estes (R-KS), Jodey Arrington (R-TX), and Drew Ferguson (R-GA). Additionally, he announced the following Representatives will serve as Ranking Members on subcommittees: Devin Nunes (R-CA), Health; Jackie Walorski (R-IN), Human Resources; Mike Kelly (R-PA), Oversight; Tom Reed (R-NY), Social Security; Adrian Smith (R-NE), Tax; and Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Trade.

Announcements

Education: Education Department Announces Initiative to Address Use of Restraint and Seclusion on Students With Disabilities

On January 17, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos announced a new initiative to address the inappropriate use of restraint and seclusion on students with disabilities. The initiative will include compliance reviews, data collection improvements, and technical assistance. The Arc welcomes this new initiative and hopes for meaningful progress in reducing the use of restraint and seclusion, including passage of the Keeping All Students Safe Act. Read The Arc’s statement.

Family Support: Study on Impact of Caregiving on Workforce Released

Harvard Business School’s Managing the Future of Work Project released a new report documenting the near-universal nature of caregiving and the economic impact on companies. The report finds that “helping employees address their personal caregiving obligations is an approach employers almost entirely overlook as a mechanism for maximizing employee productivity and minimizing turnover.” The report provides solutions for employers to address this gap.

Research & Data: CHN, LCCHR to Host Census Webinar On January 23, the Coalition on Human Needs (CHN) and Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights (LCCHR) will host a webinar titled “Census 2020: Why getting it right matters (a lot!).” Speakers include Mary Jo Hoeksema, Director of Government Affairs, Population Association of America, and Co-Director, The Census Project; Beth Lynk, Census Counts Campaign Director, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights; Deborah Stein, Network Director, Partnership for America’s Children; Deborah Weinstein, Executive Director, Coalition on Human Needs; and Corrine Yu, Senior Program Director, Special Projects, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. The decennial census is required by the Constitution and is conducted every 10 years. The purpose of the decennial census is to count people living in the United States. It provides the information to states in order to determine Congressional districts and it helps allocate federal funding. In this webinar, you will learn what will happen between now and 2020, how to advocate for a fair census, and what you can do to ensure an accurate census. The webinar will take place on January 23 at 3:00 pm Eastern Standard Time. Register here.

The ARC

ACTION ALERT: Family Life Education for Students with DD

Family Life Education for Students with DD

House Bill 1693 will come before the House Education Committee early next week and we need support!

Currently, many students with IDD to do not have access to Family Life Education (FLE) that is age and developmentally-appropriate. HB 1693 would direct the Department of Education to update the guidance for schools on best practices in providing FLE to students with developmental disabilities.  Further, to ensure all students have access to this vital education, this bill pairs FLE with the student’s IEP to ensure it is addressed in the ways best for each individual student.
 
>>Please CALL or EMAIL your Delegate by Monday, January 21st.<<  

Let them know that you SUPPORT HB 1693 for Appropriate Family Life Education for students of varying abilities. 

(If you’re a constituent in Delegate Rodman’s district please also THANK her for championing this issue for us!)
 
Find your Delegate by clicking the button below!  

Find Your Delegate

Visit our website to view all Legislative Priorities

Thank you for your advocacy!!
Capitol Insider

The Capitol Insider for the week of January 15, 2018

Action Alerts

Tell Your Senators: Fund the Money Follows the Person Program

Major Recent Events

Medicaid/LTSS: House Approves MFP Extension

On January 8, the House of Representatives approved H.R.259, which extends the Money Follows the Person (MFP) Program until September 30. The MFP program 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 protection for home and community-based services beneficiaries until March 31. 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. The bill must now receive Senate approval. Contact your Senators using our action alert.

Budget and Appropriations: Partial Government Shutdown Continues

The partial government shutdown continues this week. Many agencies, including those under the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, remain open and are largely unaffected due to the passage of full-year appropriation bills earlier in 2018. Employees at several other agencies, including the Departments of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, Justice, Commerce, State, and Homeland Security, are furloughed unless they are classified as “excepted.”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) did not allow a vote on the omnibus appropriations bill or Homeland Security continuing resolutions passed by the House on January 3. Last week, the House passed several individual appropriations packages. McConnell has indicated that he does not intend to allow votes on these measures either. The Arc supports restoring funding for the remaining federal agencies.

Miscellaneous News: New Finance, Ways and Means Committees Members Announced

The Senate Finance Committee recently announced new members, including Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Steve Daines (R-MT), Todd Young (R-IN), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV). Chairman Richard Neal (D-MA) announced the following new Democratic Members of the House Ways and Means Committee: Gwen Moore (D-WI), Dan Kildee (D-MI), Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Don Beyer (D-VA), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), and Steven Horsford (D-NV).

Announcements

Tax: California Opens Qualified ABLE Program

In December, California opened a new Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) program, bringing the total number of jurisdictions with ABLE programs to 42. The program is open to all eligible individuals nationwide. It has three investment options and a savings option. The program has an annual maintenance fee of $37 and an additional $10 annual fee for those selecting paper statements. Asset-based fees for investments options range from 0.52% to 0.54%. More information about state implementation of the ABLE Act can be found here.

Moms In Motion

Moms In Motion – December 2018 – Fiscal Agent Changes, New DDWaiver Services, Heating Costs, Housing, Health Coverage for Adults, MobileAutism Clinic, Advocacy Season, Respite in the News, Etc.

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?
You can now enroll attendants online at PPL.  
2. At every visit:
Are you enrolled in Commonwealth Coordinated Care (CCC) Program?
If so, which Managed Care Organization (MCO) are you currently using? Are you on HIPP?
Are there any medical and/or functional changes? Who is your current Primary Care Physician?
Who are your attendants and are they getting paid?
Have there been any recent hospitalizations?
Turning 18? We have an amazing Resource Page for Young Adults!
Reviewing time sheets filled out by your attendants.    

Waivers   MCO Fiscal Agent Changes
MCOs and Waivers will be switching fiscal agents for the Medicaid waiver-funded Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) programs. Fiscal agents manage payroll and taxes for Personal Care Attendants.    
Aetna is staying with PPL, though new clients in the Roanoke area will have the choice of PPL or CDCN. Magellan is going with ACES$. Anthem, Optima, Virginia Premier, and United Healthcare will stay with PPL.  
All individuals that have CL/FIS Waiver, HIPP & EPSDT with no Waiver will be switching to Consumer Direct Care Network (CDCN). Those on the CCC Plus Waiver and/or EPSDT with an MCO who are using Virginia Premier, Optima, Aetna*, Anthem, and United Healthcare will not be impacted by this change.  
* Newly enrolled Consumer Directed members in the Southwest and/or Roanoke area of the state using Aetna will have the option to select PPL or Consumer Direct Care Network (CDCN) after 1/1/19. There are no changes for existing Aetna members after 1/1/19.

If you have Magellan as your MCO, you’ll be switching to ACES$
:
Employer of Record (EOR) and attendant forms must be received by December 7. Both you (the EOR) and your personal care attendants benefit from secure online enrollment and streamlined forms. ACES$ contact information: SecureVA@mycil.org  1-800-344-7211
ACES$ Virginia Website 
Steps to create an ACES$ EOR account
Blank Packets to fill out
Employer of Record (EOR) blank packet
Attendant blank packet  (There is a sample packet on their website. Follow steps to get EOR ID) 
ACES$ Brochure with pay schedule  Front  |  Back 

If your MCO or Waiver is switching to Consumer Direct Care Network:
Consumer Direct Care Network (CDCN) must receive completed versions of these forms for all employers and attendants by 12/3/2018 so that pay continues as scheduled in January. Employers and attendants must complete new forms so that CDCN can provide payroll services to attendants.

These forms are accessible online at: www.ConsumerDirectVA.com/forms
What forms are required? – Download the Employer Transition Packet, complete and submit a packet for all Individuals receiving services that you represent. Download the Attendant Transition Packet, complete and submit a packet for all of the attendants providing services to the individual.
Please submit complete and signed forms to InfoCDVA@ConsumerDirectCare.com or fax them to (877) 747-7764. Forms must be received by CDCN by 12/3/2018 so that attendant pay continues as scheduled in January. CDCN has extended their packet deadline for Employers on DMAS’ fee-for-service program from 12/3/18 to 12/10/18.

PPL will not process any Employee Of Record (EOR) changes or attendant hiring packets after 12/2/2018 for any recipients impacted by these changes. If you need to change your EOR or hire a new attendant after this date, please contact Consumer Direct Care Network. The toll-free number for Consumer Direct Care Network is (888) 444-8182 or by email at InfoCDVA@ConsumerDirectCare.com or by fax (877) 747-7764.

Helpful links: Read CDCN’s transition letterTraining Videos on how to fill out the Employer and Attendant packets.  CDCN’s FAQ a list of answers CDCN has compiled to help you.   Personal Care is Now Under EPSDT for Individuals Under 21   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 has been 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)   Resources: Read more in  Moms In Motion’s Special Edition Newsletter. Blank DMAS-7 form and an example of a filled out DMAS-7. Tips:   It’s your responsibility to make sure the DMAS-7 is received on time to your Moms In Motion Service Facilitator. 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.   Three New Services Added to the Developmental Disabilities Waivers
Effective September 1, 2018, three new services are available under the Developmental Disabilities Medicaid Waiver program as stated in a Medicaid Memo. These new services can be utilized on the three types of DD Waiver which are, Building Independence (BI), Family and Individual Supports (FIS) and Community Living (CL). Read an extensive services and supports DD Waiver comparison guide in a previous Moms In Motion Newsletter.  

The new services are: Community Guide There are two categories of Community Guides, General Community Guide and The Housing Guide. Community Guide Services include direct assistance to promote an individuals’ self-determination through using community resources that lead to connection to and independent participation in integrated, independent housing or community activities. Housing supports will assist an individual move to independent housing by helping with transition and tenancy sustaining activities. The community housing guide will collaborate with the support coordinator, regional housing specialist, and others to enable the individual achieve and sustain integrated, independent living.   Peer Mentoring Peer Mentor Supports provide information, resources, guidance, and support from an experienced, trained peer mentor to an individual receiving any of the three DD Waivers. Peer mentoring is delivered by individuals with developmental disabilities who are or have received services, and have shared experiences with the individual. Peer mentors will provide support and guidance. The service is designed to foster connections and relationships which build individual resilience. Peer mentors will share their successful strategies and experiences in navigating a broad range of community resources with individuals. Peer Mentor Supports may be authorized for up to six (6) consecutive months, and the cumulative total across that time frame may be no more than 60 hours in a plan year.   Benefits Planning Benefits planning is an individualized analysis and consultation service provided to assist individuals receiving DD Waiver services and Social Security benefits (SSI, SSDI, SSI/SSDI) to understand their benefits and explore the possibility of work, to start work, and the effect of work on local, state, and federal benefits. This service includes education and analysis about current benefits status and implementation and management of state and federal work incentives. This service results in the development of written resource documents to assist individuals and their families/legal representatives to better understand the current and future benefits of employment. This Benefits Planning service also provides information and education to working individuals to make successful transition to financial independence. Read more details about these services and learn how to access them, here.     Maximizing Your Benefits   Save on Heating Your Home
The Virginia Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program assists low-income households, particularly those with the lowest incomes that pay a high portion of household income for home energy. Colder temperatures are here! Do you qualify? Check it out today.   In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of
Virginia and you must need financial assistance for home energy costs. A person who participates or has family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or certain needs-tested Veterans may be
automatically eligible for this benefit.

The program is comprised of four components: Fuel Assistance Crisis Assistance Cooling Assistance Weatherization   Medicaid Expansion
Coverage will begin January 1, 2019 for those who apply and are able to enroll for Virginia’s New Health Coverage for Adults. Applications have been accepted since November 1, 2018. Now thousands of Virginians aged 19-64 will be able to apply for low or no-cost health coverage so they don’t have to worry about getting sick or having an accident!

Visit Cover Virginia’s webpage for information on: Who qualifies Call center phone number Complete an online application Locations to mail or drop off a paper application Eligibility Screening Tool FAQs    New Federal Housing Vouchers for People with Disabilities
In September, The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Section 811 Mainstream Housing Choice Voucher Program which impacts non-elderly persons with disabilities.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded $98.5 million to 285 public housing authorities across the U.S. to provide new, permanent affordable housing vouchers to nearly 12,000 non-elderly people with disabilities. The housing assistance is provided through HUD’s Section 811 Mainstream Housing Choice Voucher Program which provides funding to housing agencies to assist non-elderly people with disabilities who are: transitioning out of institutional or other separated settings; at serious risk of institutionalization; homeless; or at risk of becoming homeless. This program helps to further the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act by helping persons with disabilities live in the most integrated setting. The program also encourages partnerships with health and human service agencies with a demonstrated capacity to coordinate voluntary services and supports to enable individuals to live independently in the community. 2018 Awarded Housing Vouchers Listed by State Related News Article from November 12, 2018: A ‘game changer’ Proposed Medicaid benefit would cover housing services   The VT Autism Clinic and Center for Autism Research’s Mobile Autism Clinic   The Center’s newest outreach initiative is housed in a 29-foot RV that will expand more Autism services into several counties within Central Appalachia. The mission of the Virginia Tech Autism Clinic/Center for Autism Research/Mobile Autism Clinic (VTAC/CAR/MAC) is to merge science with service. The MAC will be equipped with computers, internet access, and video recording equipment, and will offer space to conduct parent/family mediated interventions for Autism. Regular visits to these communities by Center faculty and staff in the MAC will provide parents and caregivers with trainings on evidence-based treatment, with the goal being to empower families with additional skills on how to better support their children with Autism. The MAC focuses specifically on under-served areas of rural Appalachia in further Southwest Virginia. The Mobile Autism Clinic alternates locations on Friday afternoons, spending one in Galax, Virginia and the other in Marion, Virginia.  Overview of MAC services: Treatment services for Autism Spectrum Disorder are based on a variety of empirically supported intervention techniques. All services are provided by graduate student clinicians in the Department of Psychology at Virginia Tech, supervised by a licensed clinical psychologist. Individualized treatment approaches are developed for each child/family based on evidence-based behavioral strategies from Applied Behavior Analysis, developmental approaches, and Pivotal Response Treatment.  Some common themes clinicians work on are social skills, challenging behaviors, managing anxiety, stress and/or anger management and various parent trainings. They are now offering diagnostic evaluations for those who are suspected to have Autism Spectrum Disorder.   Treatment Sessions in the MAC: The initial session is an hour and a half intake with parent/caregiver(s) and child.  Future appointments may be for the parent/caregiver only or may include the child, depending on needs of the family and goals that have been discussed with the clinician. They currently use a therapy/consultation model where we will meet with the family (parent/caregiver and/or child) in-person once per month for therapy/training sessions and then continue the discussion via pre-arranged phone/Skype consultation meetings in between the MAC visits. The goal is to empower caregivers/parents with skills they can use for the long term at home. Each family session is currently $15, and less for phone consultation meetings. Parent/caregiver needs to bring documentation, evaluations, etc. to the initial intake appointment.  Diagnostic Evaluations in the MAC: Diagnostic evaluations/assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder range from 3 to 9 hours, depending on what is requested or needed. They use gold-standard evidence-based tools for conducting diagnostic evaluations. Fees for diagnostic evaluations/assessments are determined on a sliding scale, based on family income. The VT Autism Clinic and Center for Autism Research look forward to hosting their Annual Autism Conference on Friday, April 26, 2019 in Blacksburg at the Inn at Virginia Tech.   Virginia Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Program
Babies can be born with serious birth-related neurological injuries. The Virginia Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Program helps parents take care of these children for life. This program is designed to assure access to obstetrical services for all Virginia residents. The program covers what insurance and other programs don’t. Expenses such as medical expenses, hospital expenses, rehabilitation expenses, in-home nursing care and much more. With soaring medical malpractice insurance rates, insurance companies are on the brink of eliminating coverage. Virginia has worked with all stakeholders, including physicians, associations, insurers, lawyers and others to develop an innovative solution, the Virginia Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Program.   The Program was a first of its kind nationally. Located in Richmond, a nine-member volunteer board of directors governs the organization. The Governor of Virginia appoints all board members. Although started by the Virginia General Assembly, the Birth-Injury Program is an independent organization. The Virginia Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Program has distinguished itself by assuring superior care for admitted children.     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   How, When and What to Know to Get Involved in Legislative Advocacy Season   January and in the beginning of February is the time to make your voice heard! Don’t miss this years chance to advocate about what your family needs to thrive. Communicate to your Legislators in the General Assembly and to your Representative in Congress. There are events to do this in person or in a group, which is a great way to network with parents. You can also try to schedule a one-on-one meeting with your Legislator in their local office. You can also email and send them a tweet. It is so important that the people that influence the state budget know about the lives of individuals and families with loved ones with disabilities.

Chances to make your voice heard: Public Budget Hearings Across the State DD Advocacy Day in Richmond Independent Living (IL) Day in Richmond Mental Health Advocacy Day in Richmond All events above and information about the proposed state budget will be posted on the Moms In Motion’s Calendar, Facebook, and Twitter when details become available, so be sure you are following us!

Useful Tools: Tips on How to be an Effective Advocate  Read a blog written by a parent which explains why it’s so important to advocate: The 5 Reasons it’s Difficult to be Employed and Raise a Child with Special Needs  Find your Legislator  Find your Congressperson  The Arc of Virginia will post a detailed summary of how the proposed budget will impact people with disabilities     Spotlight On…   Respite for Parents and Caregivers   Respite care is, very simply, substitute care. A respite caregiver is a person who takes over when the primary caregiver takes a break. As a parent raising a child with a disability, you might find that “me time” is more fantasy than reality. Sure, you’d love some time to yourself, or one-on-one time with a spouse, partner, friend, or another child. When your child has special needs, handing over responsibility can be a real challenge. You might feel as if you are the only person who can do the job, and doubt that anyone else could meet all of your child’s needs. But remember, you’re not superhuman. There’s only so much you can give before you will feel mentally, emotionally, and physically drained. When you take time off to recharge, you’ll be able to give more and enjoy doing it. …Your child will benefit too! Respite care provides parents and other caregivers with short-term personal care services that offer temporary relief, improve family stability, and reduce the risk of abuse or neglect. You may also find that just a few hours away can make a world of difference to your health and outlook.   Respite comes in many shapes and sizes, here are two articles that feature respite services in Virginia: Area nonprofit offers retreats for parents of special-needs children Caregiver respite inn to open in New Market You may be able to look up your respite hours in your MCOs fiscal agent web portal. Please ask your Moms In Motion Service Facilitator how you can access your respite hours!   Hire Autism
Hire Autism is a non-profit in Northern Virginia that helps people ages 16 and up on the autism spectrum to get placed into the work place. Hire Autism is a pilot program of the Organization for Autism Research (OAR). Started in 2017, the Hire Autism program helps individuals find jobs that match their interests and skills by offering an autism-friendly application process that showcases their strengths to employers who are looking to be matched with quality candidates. Hire Autism provides individualized support to job seekers, such as resume building, cover letter writing, interview practice, customized job recommendations. They also maintain an active job database and keeps contact with potential employers. Hire Autism is proud to cultivate relationships with employers as well as educating them on Autism and best practices for managing and working with individuals on the autism spectrum!   More resources:

Community Coach Program is a service on all three DD Waivers that provides one-on-one by a community coach to an individual in an integrated employment or self-employment situation at or above minimum wage in a job that meets personal and career goals. A coach will assist with the job search and job application process. Once hired, the coach helps help train job duties until the individual is able to do the tasks independently or if appropriate, will provide constant coaching, instruction and monitoring. The coach’s job is to report to Medicaid and develop the skills of the individual for success at the work place.

Read Moms In Motion’s Employment Resource Page     Moms In Motion in the Community   Thank you for believing in us!
Moms In Motion would like to express our appreciation to the following organizations and individuals who have shared Moms as a resource with families they know. Thank you to: Animated Child  Located in Montclair, Virginia, Animated Child is an inclusive and innovative enrichment center for children ages 2-13. They encourage children’s natural curiosity, independence and creativity. Animated Child engage children in every element of intelligence to highlight their own unique way of learning. By exploring in what ways a child is smart versus how smart they are, children are empowered to recognize ability within themselves. Animated Child focuses on science, technology, engineering, art and math. Their classrooms are inclusive!   “The Buzz” about Moms In Motion!
A father of an individual Moms In Motion serves, stated that he had been so pleased with the services he received from his Service Facilitator, Mezie Anyanwu. On his voicemail to the Family Resource Specialist team, he talked at length about the compassion, dedication and respect he has felt as a parent from Mezie for his child.     2018 Moms In Motion Company Retreat!   More pictures…   We had a successful company retreat in Williamsburg! Two-thirds of the company met at The Great Wolf Lodge in October to learn, network and to create change so Moms In Motion can best serve you. It was a few days not to forget as Moms In Motion team members used their time to the fullest. From the awards banquet, to the team brain storming session, from the DBHDS workshop, to the deeply inspiring speech by Moms In Motion’s Founder, this was one company retreat sure to be cherished!     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 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   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 🙂      Events 





Consumer Direct Care Network Town Hall Meetings for EOR Training CDCN will provide similar trainings, as well as assist with filling out required paperwork for Employers and their Employees. All Service Facilitators are encouraged to stay through the afternoon sessions to help Employers understand the enrollment process. Dec 7 & 8 Roanoke

Jefferson Area Transition Council Supports and facilitates the smooth transition of students with a wide range of disabilities from public education into their communities through information sharing and programs. Dec 10 2pm Charlottesville

Employment 1st Family Listening Session Each 2 hour session on each day will include a brief presentation for families on employment 1st policies and the partners involved in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive employment supports. Sessions at different times for your convenience. Dec 11 Virginia Beach & Dec 12 Williamsburg

Medicaid Expansion Information Sessions Learn more about Medicaid Expansion from a Community Based Eligibility Worker and Senior Benefits Program Specialist with the City of Fredericksburg’s Department of Social Services, discuss and answer questions. Two times. Dec 13 Fredericksburg

RAAC Lunch & Learn A family education session where families bring lunch and meet to share successes and challenges, ask questions, and connect with one another. Dec 27 12pm Fredericksburg

Wrightslaw Special Education Law & Advocacy Conference Don’t miss this incredible chance to learn from a revered expert! Focus will be on Special Education law, rights and responsibilities, Introduction to tactics & strategies for effective advocacy, smart IEPs and much more. Apr 5 9am Manassas  
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   
    Moms In Motion is a Service Facilitation provider for Medicaid EDCD/CCC+, CL & FIS Waiver enrollees.      MomsInMotion.net 
Capitol Insider

The Capitol Insider for the week of December 17, 2018

CORRECTION: This week’s edition of Capitol Insider incorrectly stated that the IMPROVE (Improving Medicaid Programs and Opportunities for Eligible Beneficiaries) Act (H.R.7217) had passed both the House and the Senate and that it reauthorized the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program for three years. The IMPROVE Act funds MFP for THREE MONTHS, and did pass the House last week, but has not passed the Senate, so please take action with your Senator today using our action alert