Fw: FDDC requesting input Medicaid Cuts/McKay Scholarship

[Guest guest]

----- Forwarded Message -----To: Undisclosed List Sent: Wednesday, July 27, 2011 5:08 PMSubject: FDDC requesting input Medicaid Cuts/McKay Scholarship

If you have been affected by the Medicaid cuts, please speak up and let your voices be heard before there is nothing left for our loved ones in need.

Phyllis

******

The FDDC (Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc.) is requesting input from the following:

1) Anyone who has or will be adversely affected by Medicaid cuts 2) Anyone who has had a positive experience with McKay Scholarship

Please contact Rose Coster as soon as possible. You can either email a brief description to me (Debbie Hannifan) or call Rose Coster with your comments.

Rose CosterCOMMUNICATION COORDINATORFlorida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. (FDDC)124 Marriott Drive, Suite 203Tallahassee, Florida 32301-2981Ph: | Fax: TDD: | www.fddc.orgcid:image001.gif@...

Debbie HannifanPartners in Policymaking CoordinatorFlorida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc.mailto:Dhannifan@...> Dhannifan@...P.O. Box 2864Lakeland, Florida 33806hone fax

************************************************************************************

Update From Nangle Regarding APD Companion Services

http://waiverprovider.com/index.html

I spoke with a representative at the Governor's office today. I was told that the Governor's office is concerned about the companion rate adjustments, and they are are working with APD to see what can be done.

I've received many calls from support coordinators, providers, and families who are very concerned about the new rate adjustments, specifically for their consumers who currently receive a 1 to 1 ratio. They say that not everyone can be well served in a group. Some people have behaviors that make it necessary to have 1 on 1 support. Some people live in remote locations and are unable to find a group. Some people have unique goals that require companion be provided in a particular setting. Given enough time, many people will be able to link up with a companion group or switch to ADT services, but the deadline of August 1st does not leave enough time to make proper arrangements. Advocates fear that come August 1st some people will be left at home. Long term, others may have no choice but to request more costly services such as behavior assistant or residential habilitation. Due to the current cost plan freeze, no new services may be requested at this time unless a person is in a crisis situation.

Some providers believe that the new companion rates allow them to serve as many customers as they would like at the same time and to bill $8.64 per hour (agency) / $6.72 per hour (solo) per person. This is because a memo from APD quoted the new companion rates and said these were the rates "regardless of the number of consumers served." This is not the case. APD has clarified that companions can serve 1, 2, or 3 people at the same time.

Other providers are concerned that if they serve somebody at a 1 to 1 ratio they will need to break minimum wage laws to make payroll. This has also been a concern for families on CDC who worry that they will be breaking labor laws. A recent memo from APD states "The Fair Labor Standards Act, Section 213 (A)(15), does allow providers of companion services to be paid less than minimum wage." However, I would advise any agency considering paying their companion employees under minimum wage to consult with labor board themselves. Considering the specific requirements of APD companion service, which includes extensive documentation, monitoring, and meeting goals, agencies could be setting themselves up for unwanted lawsuits. Agencies that serve 2 or 3 people at the same time should be able to provide minimum wage pay to their staff. ________________________________________

APD Adjusts Companion Service

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) will eliminate the varying rates it pays providers of companion service beginning August 1. The rates have been collapsed into one solo provider rate of $1.68 per quarter hour, for each individual served up to three individuals. Providers may now serve up to three individuals at that rate.

There will also be an agency and geographic differential rate. To review the new rates, visit APDcares.org. Here is an example of a solo rate:

$1.68 x 4 = $6.72 per hour for one individual served$6.72 x 2 = $13.44 per hour for two individuals served$6.72 x 3 = $20.16 per hour for three individuals served

Although many providers serve more than one person, the Fair Labor Standards Act, Section 213 (A)(15), does allow providers of companion services to be paid less than minimum wage. Companion services involve non-medical care, supervision, and socialization activities.

This service provides access to community activities when there are no other unpaid sources of support available. The activities that are provided should result in an individual’s increased ability to access services without using paid support. A companion provider may assist individuals in learning to use the library, helping with organizing volunteer opportunities for people, and providing assistance with specific tasks such as help with light housekeeping,

The Florida Legislature has mandated that APD bring its Medicaid waiver expenditures within is appropriation. The Legislature approved $810 million for the Home and Community-based Services (HCBS) waiver for the 2011-12 state fiscal year that began on July 1. APD customers received $930 million worth of services during the 2010-11 fiscal year.

The Home and Community-based Services waiver provides supports to about 30,000 Floridians with developmental disabilities so they may participate in their local community. ________________________________________