DDD Communication January 31, 2023
QUICK NOTES
- Last week, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) released information regarding the Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) rates. That CILA Rate Communication can be found online. Included was information on a webinar the DDD is hosting to explain the CILA rates and the CILA rate calculator. Webinar information:
- The Division released a new Draft Information Bulletin, DRAFT - Community Day Service Operations Under COVID-19. Public comments can be submitted until Tuesday, February 14, 2023.
- Save the Date: The Health and Human Services Briefing on Governor Pritzker's FY2024 proposed budget will take place via Webex on Wednesday February 15, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00pm. Login details will be sent at a later date.
MEDICAID CONTINUOUS ENROLLMENT IS ENDING
On January 5, 2023, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the Medicaid continuous enrollment condition provisions will no longer be tied to the public health emergency (PHE). The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Division of Family and Community Services (FCS) are developing a plan to systematically review and complete annual redeterminations for all Medicaid beneficiaries. The plan is to complete annual redeterminations based on the month the beneficiary's redetermination is due. The first month being targeted is July. Redetermination paperwork will be mailed to beneficiaries whose redeterminations are due in July, beginning May 1, 2023. The paperwork will be due back by the end of June 2023. For now, all beneficiaries need to make sure their mailing address is correct in the benefit system. The easiest way to make sure this information is correct is to log into your Manage My Case (MMC) account (Illinois.gov - IL Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) ABE Home Page) and make sure the information is correct. You can create a MMC account at the above-linked website if you don't already have one. If, for some reason, you are unable to log in or create a MMC account, please contact the ABE Customer Call Center at 1-800-843-6154.
Additionally, the DDD has been made aware the e-mail address we've been using for Medicaid eligibility related questions,
DHS.DD.MediRede@illinois.gov, will stop being monitored.
The new e-mail address to be used for these communications is DHS.FCS.DDWAIVER@illinois.gov. Please begin using this new e-mail address immediately.
EMERGENCY SNAP ALLOTMENTS TO END IN FEBRUARY
The federal government recently announced an upcoming change to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) allotments provided to individuals and families. During the pandemic, the IDHS issued SNAP Emergency Allotments across the state of Illinois. Since April 2020, all Illinois SNAP households received their regular monthly benefit and an Emergency Allotment to help manage food insecurity. With the change, SNAP Emergency Allotments are ending February 28, 2023. The Emergency Allotments were an additional issuance of a minimum allotment of $95 to each household's monthly benefits. SNAP households should prepare accordingly for the decrease in benefits. All SNAP households are encouraged to visit their local food pantry. To find food a food pantry across Illinois, visit this link.
The IDHS released a letter to stakeholders as well as posted a notice regarding the change: IDHS: SNAP Emergency Allotment (EA) Availability (state.il.us).
REMINDER ON STAFF TRAINING REIMBURSEMENT CHANGES
As part of the implementation of the rate methodology changes for CILAs, effective January 1, 2023, CILA providers will no longer be reimbursed for most staff training as those costs are built into the Program Support component of the rate methodology. Similar to last year's implementation of the Program Support component for CDS, CILA providers will be able to continue billing for staff training started prior to implementation of the rate methodology change (including all required OJT hours) until June 30, 2023. Billing by CILA providers for all training reimbursement requests must be submitted, certified as non-CDS related, and received by the end of the State lapse period (August 1, 2023) for Fiscal Year 2023.
Certification forms will be sent to providers for completion after bills are submitted. Beginning July 1, 2023 (FY24), CILA providers will no longer be able to be paid separately for most staff training. Only staff training for some medical training will be funded separately. The staff training covered will include the following: Insulin - Classroom, Insulin - Individual, Enteral Tubes - Classroom, Enteral Tubes - Individual, Medication Administration, Medication Administration - Train the Trainer.
Information regarding the Program Support component of the CILA rate methodology can be found in this information bulletin: DD.23.001.
Information regarding the Program Support component of the CDS rate methodology can be found in this information bulletin: DD.21.025.
DDD/DRS TRAINING SERIES
The Divisions of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) and Developmental Disabilities invite personnel from each Division, providers and Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agency personnel to a two-part training series scheduled for Tuesday, February 7, 2023, and Thursday, February 16, 2023, on Understanding and Implementing the DRS/DDD Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This training will enhance attendee understanding of both the MOU's key concepts and collaboration between the Divisions while providing a framework for successfully supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve and sustain Competitive Integrated Employment. Attendees are encouraged to attend both sessions as unique information will be offered during each and the concepts and information builds upon itself.
Links to join are below.
Tuesday, 2/7, 9:30am-12:30pm
Thursday, 2/16, 12:30-3:30pm
IDHS HIRING PEER SELF ADVOCATE POSITIONS
The IDHS is seeking applications for a newly created Peer Self Advocate role. This position will work in collaboration with the DRS to educate individuals with disabilities who are engaged in subminimum wage activity on the options available to them to achieve and sustain Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE). Ideal candidates will have experience in transitioning from subminimum wage activity to CIE. Click here to see additional details and to apply.
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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