Self-Advocates United as 1 December 2023 Virtual Events Announced
ODP Extending Due Date for Required Residential Provider Survey to November 17
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has issued a notice to all residential providers that have yet to complete the required survey:
Providers rendering residential services (residential habilitation, lifesharing, and/or supported living) funded through ODP are required to complete this survey by the extension date of November 17, 2023.
Additional information can be found in the communication, ODPANN 23-080: Office of Developmental Programs’ Residential Provider Survey for Selective Contracting. Questions may be directed via email to ODP.
ODP Announces Move Your Way Initiative to Promote Physical Activity
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is pleased to announce an initiative to promote physical activity to help everyone lead healthier lives.
Based on the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, comes a promotional campaign called Move Your Way.
To learn more join our informational lunch and learn to get an overview of the Move Your Way campaign and help the listener understand the importance of physical activity, the recommended amounts and how it all adds up to better health.
Please join us to learn about Move Your Way!
This lunch and learn will take place on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm.
Visit here to register for the lunch and learn.
Visit here to learn more about Move Your Way.
Visit here to view Val Arkoosh’s message on this new program.
Now Available: The Arc of PA’s In Touch Newsletter for November 3, 2023
Nearly $10 Million State Grant Aims to Help Students With Disabilities Reach Career Goals
Clarification on IDD Providers’ Role in Medicaid Renewal Process
Deputy Secretary Ahrens has shared information regarding avoidable Medicaid non-renewals for individuals. If an individual is receiving waiver services and loses their MA, this has the unfortunate outcome of the individual being dis-enrolled in the waiver. In turn, services rendered during a time when the individual is ineligible will not be paid through waiver funds.
If your agency serves as a representative payee or provides waiver services, especially residential services, this can have a serious impact on both your agency and the individual receiving services. Of note:
- As of 10/17/2023, the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has a record of 444 enrolled individuals (223 of whom are waiver participants) whose MA was not renewed procedurally. These participants’ renewal dates span April through September 2023.
- 176 individuals (45 of whom are waiver participants) were registered and had their MA closed due to ineligibility.
The primary reasons appear to be that asset limits were exceeded and determination paperwork had not been returned (procedural closure). There are individuals who receive residential services in these groups. Please note that sometimes paperwork may go to a guardian or representative payee. In those situations, it’s important that there is communication between the provider and the responsible person. In particular, providers should be aware of the following:
- Individuals receive MA renewal paperwork in the mail at their home address. Providers/SCOs should ensure that the CAO always has up-to-date contact information for individuals receiving MA.
- Renewal dates differ. Individuals should receive renewal info about 90 days prior to the due date.
- If a provider has questions about renewal dates for individuals, AEs and SCOs are provided data on all individual MA renewal dates.
Please ensure that your agency is aware of the renewal dates and is prepared to respond quickly and/or assist the guardian or family member who may be receiving the paperwork. Additionally, please be cognizant of the asset limits and consider opening an ABLE account if all the individual’s needs are met.
For any questions, contact Carol Ferenz.
“Performance Management in the Age of Empathy” — Free Webinar for RCPA Members on Dec. 11, Featuring Michael Cohen
Final Fee Schedule Rates Announced for Select Services Funded Through ODP’s Waivers
The Office of Developmental Program (ODP) has shared Final Fee Schedule Rates for Select Services Funded Through ODP’s Waivers and Guidance About Community Participation Support Impacted By the End of Appendix K. The purpose of this communication is to announce that the following Fee Schedule Rates have been published as final in the Pennsylvania Bulletin:
- Residential Habilitation Needs Group 5 services funded through the Consolidated Waiver;
- Group Music Therapy, Art Therapy, and Equine Assisted Therapy funded through the Consolidated, Community Living, and Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) waivers; and
- Adoption of the enhanced rates as the fee schedule rates for Community Participation Support (CPS) funded through the Consolidated, Community Living, and P/FDS waivers and Transportation Trip funded through the Consolidated, Community Living, P/FDS and Adult Autism waivers.
This communication also provides guidance about implementing Fee Schedule Rates and procedure codes for Community Participation Support/Day Habilitation teleservices in the Consolidated, Community Living, P/FDS and Adult Autism waivers that become effective November 11, 2023, when Appendix K flexibilities end.
Please review the announcement for additional information and detail.
RCPA Member Via of the Lehigh Valley Names Julie Scheck as Director of Development & Communications
Camden Coalition Now Offering Complex Care Certificate for Frontline Workforce
We all know that hiring and retaining workforce is challenging and that more is being expected of our employees across the spectrum of health and social care providers.
The Complex Care Certificate is a comprehensive introduction to the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to provide complex care, including client engagement, care planning, trauma-informed care, and team-based practice. The Complex Care Certificate consists of nine self-paced, online courses that teach frontline health and social care staff how to build relationships to best support people with complex health and social needs. This new certificate is a first of its kind and provides comprehensive, high-quality education on a range of topics related to working with clients with complex health and social needs. The Camden Coalition has designed the program to be taken by teams and include a host of team activities. 13 CEUs are available upon completion.
THE CERTIFICATE IS FOR:
- Complex care teams in heatlh care, social services, or other settings;
- Frontline staff who are new to this work or are looking for a fresh perspective;
- Anyone who works with people with complex health and social needs; and
- Students who want to go into complex care or learn more about it.
Use the links below for more information:
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