The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is pleased to announce its March 2021 trainings. It replaces the previously released version. Please use the hyperlinked title listed in this announcement to register for each session. Please submit any questions to this email.
“President Joe Biden will nominate seasoned Democratic health policy broker Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to helm the trillion-dollar Medicare and Medicaid agency. Brooks-LaSure, an Obama administration veteran who oversaw implementation of Obamacare, if confirmed will play a leading role in crafting Biden’s plans to expand on the health care law…”
During the Obama administration, Brooks-LaSure was deputy director at a top CMS office overseeing the health insurance markets. She had previously helped enforce Obamacare insurance reforms at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and worked on parts of Obamacare during the law’s drafting as a health staffer on the House Ways and Means Committee. Read Politico’s article.
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has posted a helpful COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ document on the COVID-19 Vaccine page of the DHS website. The document is meant to be a resource for answering some common questions you may have about the COVID-19 Vaccine. The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing the document here for your convenience.
Additionally, ANCOR staff shared this resource available from CDC:
The CDC has updated their Community-Based Organizations COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit.
It includes a number of resources on:
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The Information Sharing and Advisory Committee (ISAC) met today and heard updates from Deputy Secretary Ahrens, Jeremy Yale and Dr. Cherpes.
The “blue book” for the Governor’s proposed budget has not yet been releases, but some of the points of interest proposed for IDD include:
Enhanced Rates for CPS and Transportation Trip have been implemented. There were some glitches with the implementation that ODP believes are resolved, or near to being resolved. These enhanced rates will be published for public comment mid-March.
ODP continues to work on a method of reimbursement for CPS and transportation providers to address fixed costs during COVID. It is anticipated that this will be available for providers to complete application for reimbursement mid-March.
No individual should lose ANY service due to the enhanced rates. Teams have been asked to evaluate the year- to -date usage of approved units of service, and adapt ISPs if possible, to keep their approved services below the P/FDS waiver cap. If that is not possible, then a request for a waiver cap should be requested.
An update regarding vaccination roll out was provided by Dr. Cherpes. While many individuals and staff have successfully received vaccinations, there are many who are still in need of accessible vaccinations. Many providers have generously hosted clinics and ODP is grateful for the collaboration. It is recommended that those who have not yet been successful in accessing vaccines should refer to Pa’s DOH website to find locations in their area where vaccines may be available.
Every adult enrolled in ODP services is eligible for vaccination in either 1A (residential programs, ICF’s), or 1B (home and community-based services). All staff and unpaid caregivers are eligible in 1A.
Please see ISAC Updates for further information regarding these topics, and report on ISAC Recommendation #3 to Increase Employment.
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