Good Afternoon!
It's a big week for communications!
NAVIGANT PROVIDER COST SURVEY
First, as you know, yesterday was the deadline for submission of the Provider Cost Survey to our contractor, Navigant. I am pleased to report that as of midnight last night, we received over 100 surveys that represent providers from across the state and all parts of our service delivery system. A big thank you to those of you who were able to complete the survey and get it in ahead of the deadline. I was told this morning that many of the surveys just beat the buzzer last night, so I wanted to say that if any of you worked on the survey but couldn't quite get it done in time, you can still submit it to Navigant (soon!). The Navigant team will now begin analysis of the data received. Thank you!
TRIBUNE ARTICLE
In case you didn't see the second Tribune article on DD service system, the link is below. A lot of work to be done:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-wait-list-adults-developmental-disabilities-20200108-x2ohtgowfndtzl4cvxrxzo5zqu-story.html
MINIMUM WAGE-RELATED INCREASE Q & A
I appreciate everyone's patience as we finalized the Questions & Answer in regard to the minimum wage-related increase. An official Information Bulletin will come out once we receive approvals and are able to move forward. I wanted to send out the Q & A in advance so that providers can plan accordingly. Feel free to reach out to me for additional clarification or feedback.
- How was the $13 per hour figure used in calculations?
- Community Providers: The 3.5% brought DSP wage components within the rate methodology up to $12.42 for City of Chicago providers, and $12.38 for the rest of the state. IDHS calculated the difference between $12.42/$12.38 and $13 on DSP wage components. This difference ($.58/$.62) was then applied to all frontline positions (RN, LPN, Supervisor, and QIDP).
- ICF/DD Providers: We calculated the same percentage difference of the $.58/$.62 on ICF/DD frontline staff for ICF/DD settings (AIDE, Nurse, QIDP).
- Is the $.58/$.62 and ICF/DD equivalent just on Direct Support Professional (DSP) wages?
- No, all named frontline positions (DSP, RN, LPN, Supervisor, and QIDP for Community Providers and AIDE, Nurse, and QIDP for ICF/IDDs) in rate methodologies will receive this increase in reimbursement rates.
- Will providers be required to pay DSPs $13 per hour in the community and ICF/DD?
- IDHS expects providers to use the increase to meet area minimum wage pressures and to address the DSP and frontline staff workforce crisis.
- What about MC/DDs?
- MC/DDs will also receive the increase. HFS is responsible for the funding, management, and oversight of MC/DDs, independent of DDD. We expect formal communication directly from HFS on this issue.
- Will ISCs also receive this increase on both their grant funding and rates?
- ISCs will receive the increase on the frontline wage component of ISSA and Bogard Services.
- Will all DDD grants receive this increase in both their grant funding and rates?
- Only grants that are fee-for-service (87D and 89D) will receive the increase on the frontline wage components.
- How did the State find $56.3M in current appropriations to increase reimbursements for community and ICF/DD AND MC/DD providers?
- The $56.3M is the annual cost, going forward, for such increases. Both IDHS and HFS have sufficient existing appropriation authority to cover the partial year funding for FY2020.
- For ICF/DDs, will a regionalized wage adjustor/HSA multiplier be applied?
- No. This increase is being implemented the same as the FY 18 $0.75 and the FY 19 $0.50 increase.
- When will providers see this additional funding?
- Community Providers: The waiver amendment was submitted to CMS. We are hopeful that the increase will be approved in the first quarter of 2020.
- ICF/DD Providers: The State hopes to have the date of this increase coincide with the approximate date for Community Providers. The earliest an increase is possible is the first day of the quarter in which legislation, adopting the increase, is passed and signed, and a new State Plan Amendment (SPA) is filed. The State intends to file necessary legislation in the 2020 spring legislative session.
- Will this new increase be retroactive for the City of Chicago community providers and ICF/DDs to 7/1/19 since that is the date that the increased minimum wage took effect?
- Community Providers: As a general matter, waiver amendments are not retroactive. We anticipate this increase being approved in the first quarter of 2020.
- ICF/DD Providers: The earliest an increase is possible is the first day of the quarter in which legislation, adopting the increase, is passed and signed, and a new State Plan Amendment (SPA) is filed. The State intends to file necessary legislation in the 2020 spring legislative session.
Have a great day! Thanks for all you do.
Warmly,
Allison
