August 25, 2021 DDD Communication

Good Morning,

QUICK NOTES

• Per IDPH, the preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for COVID cases as a percent of total test from August 13-19, 2021 is 5.3%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from August 13-19, 2021 is 6.1%. However, regional 7-day test positivity averages range from 4.2% to 10.4%.
• Remember to register for Supporting Sex Education: What Providers Need to Know webinar being held on September 9th at 1pm.
• Reminder to complete the Person Centered Planning Survey before August 27th! We are interested in hearing from people receiving services, families, community organizations, ISCs and all other interested stakeholders.

WAIVER REVISION SUBMITTED

Thanks to all who submitted feedback on the FY 22 waiver amendment during the recent 30-day public comment period. Our waiver amendment, which included the Guidehouse Rate Study recommendations previously outlined, was submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on August 23. We remain hopeful for a January 1, 2022 effective date.

ILLINOIS CARE CONNECTIONS

Illinois Care Connections was a collaborative program offered through the Illinois Department on Aging and Illinois Department of Human Services Divisions of Rehabilitation Services and Developmental Disabilities that provided technology devices for socially isolated seniors and people with disabilities. The program was funded with federal CARES Act funding and devices and support were provided by the Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP). In total, 3,307 devices were supplied with a little over 1/3rd being provided to individuals with I/DD in waiver funded services. An additional, 703 individuals with I/DD were funded with separate funding identified by the Division directly. We are so pleased with the impact of this program!

PROVIDER IMPACT UPDATES REQUIRED

Earlier this week, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) released a provider notice regarding the IMPACT System. HFS is requiring providers to take immediate action to update provider contact information in 2 areas of the IMPACT System: (1) the Single Sign-On portal; and (2) the IMPACT application directly. The Provider Notice includes step-by-step instructions; please follow those steps to complete the requirements. Please keep in mind, this requirement impacts all DDD providers including agency providers, individual therapy providers, and individuals hired by self-directed participants (Personal Support Workers). Provider contact information must be updated by September 15, 2021. Questions on the required changes should be directed to the IMPACT Provider Enrollment staff at 877-782-5565.

IDHS GATA UNIT TRAINING EVENTS

In the month of September, the IDHS Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Unit will be hosting three grantee training events. The sessions are available for grantee personnel and are recommended for all current IDHS grantees. The event, "Grantee Payment Methodologies Training" is set to be offered on September 9, September 16, and September 23, all from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and will provide an introduction to the grant payment policies IDHS is implementing in accordance with federal rule and State rules and policies. Registration for one of the 3 sessions is below (no need to attend all 3 as they are the same).

* Grantee Payment Methodologies Training - Session 1

* Grantee Payment Methodologies Training - Session 2

* Grantee Payment Methodologies Training - Session 3

Thank you for all you do!

Warmly,

• Allison V. Stark
• Director, Division of Developmental Disabilities
• Illinois Department of Human Services
• 600 East Ash-Building 400, Springfield, IL 62703
• Tel: (217) 782 -6803

The information contained herein should not be considered a substitute for the appropriate official statutes, rules, regulations, or the advice of legal counsel.

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