Good Afternoon,
QUICK NOTES
- Per IDPH, the preliminary seven-day statewide COVID-19 positivity for cases as a percent of total test from October 29-November 4, 2021 is 2.1%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from October 29-November 4, 2021 is 2.5%.
- The next DD Advisory Committee virtual meeting will be on November 9 (TODAY). These meetings are open to the public and you're welcome to participate. We ask, however, that attendees save comments to the open comment period of the agenda (if you are not a DDAC member). You can find more information here.
- The Division will be hosting a DDD Update webinar on November 10 at 1pm (TOMORROW). This webinar will discuss key data points, new PUNS numbers, FY 22 & FY 23 budgeting, next steps with Settings and more! You won't want to miss this! Please ensure that at least one individual from your provider organization attends. You can register here.
- REMINDER: There are new links for the Community Provider Trainings being held by the Division this fall. Please make sure to re-register for the training series. You can find the NEW LINKS here.
- Also, check out our DRAFT Information Bulletins.
NEW RATES TABLE POSTED!
The Division has published the DDD Waiver Rate Table that will be effective January 1, 2022, subject to federal CMS approval. As you will see, the Table includes updated rates based on the implementation of the Guidehouse recommendations that were included in the FY22 budget passed by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor. These rates do not reflect the temporary COVID-19 increases.
Of note in the Table, are the following updates:
- DSP Wages: The new hourly rate for DSP wages that will reflect the $1.50/hour increase (bringing the wage up to $16.00/hour) to the average wage in the rate methodology appropriated by the GA and Governor.
- Community Day Services: The new rates and rate methodology for CDS including an increase to 1200 hours/year, the removal of staff reimbursement for training, as well as the changes to the rates and rate methodology for SODCs.
EXCITING ADDITION:
* Clinical Services: The rates for clinical services including Behavior Intervention and Treatment, Counseling and Therapy (individual and group) will be increasing to the Guidehouse recommended rates. Note: These increases were not originally included for implementation this year.
Also note: Multiple Information Bulletins will be released based on the rate and services changes that will go into effect either January 1, 2022 or upon CMS approval. These IBs will outline changes and expectations. The Rate Table should be used for planning and budgeting purposes.
HBS FINANCIAL SPENDING PLANS UPDATE
As a follow-up to the 10/26 DDD Communication and DRAFT Information Bulletin, Increases in the Home-Based Support Services Program (HBS), the Division wants to remind HBS participants, families, and SDAs that, before updating HBS financial spending plans for January 1, 2022, based on the increase in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) individual benefit, they should utilize the newly updated DDD Rate Table reference above. This Table provides new rates for many DDD-funded services and supports, including all day program rates as well as Behavioral Intervention, Behavior Therapy and Counseling rates. These new rates should be utilized in concert with the increased SSI individual benefit to create the new HBS financial spending plans.
ADVANCE & RECONCILE REMINDER
Effective November 1, 2021, all CILA providers that are on Advance & Reconcile process will be shifted to the Post Payment process. This will result in the last advance payment being issued for December 2021. The timing of this change is necessary to have all providers on the Post Payment process by January 1, 2022 and have the last advance payments reconciled with December billing in early January 2022. Note: this change will result in a reduction in a provider agency's cash flow for the months of December 2021 and January 2022, instead of the usual June & July timeframe. Providers who are already on Post Payment are not impacted by this change. Please reach out to Janice Marvel on any questions you may have or significant impacts this may post for your organization. We're here to help navigate this change.
SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT REVALIDATION
Effective 1/1/22, or upon final waiver amendment approval from Federal CMS, all DDD SEP awards for Individual (39U) and Group (39G) issued prior to 1/1/21 will be deactivated. DDD Supported Employment Program Revalidations were due to the respective ISC agencies on 11/5/21 and are expected to reach the Division by 11/19/21. Although DDD will consider limited exceptions for circumstances resulting in delayed submission, revalidation requests received by DDD after 12/1/21 will not be considered.
A note about wages:
All individuals engaged in services and supports under DDD SEP must be in Competitive Integrated Employment. Illinois minimum wage is set to increase to $12.00 per hour on 1/1/22, however, certain employers are subject to a different minimum wage rate. As of 7/1/21, the minimum wage for Chicago and suburban Cook County increased as outlined below.
Chicago employers with employees who work in Chicago:
- $15.00 per hour for employers with 20+ employees
- $14.00 per hour for employers with 4 to 20 employees
Suburban Cook County:
* $13.00 per hour (Note: Some suburbs opted-out of the Cook County Minimum Wage Ordinance; therefore, employers should check whether their suburb opted-out)
FLU SEASON AND COVID-19
Cold and flu season is upon us! The flu and COVID-19 are highly contagious respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. Providers should evaluate respiratory symptoms and consider the appropriate test following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance. The most current information comparing COVID-19 to flu can be found here. The CDC believes that it is likely that flu viruses and COVID-19 will be co-circulating. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the flu, limit transmission and prevent complications.
COVID-19 BOOSTERS
Providers should also be preparing all eligible individuals for their COVID-19 booster. Please contact your local health department or primary care provider for more information on obtaining COVID-19 booster vaccinations.
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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