Legislative Plan

2012 Budget Conference Report Highlights

A more detailed version is available here! Look at the column marked “Conference” for the relevant information.

Funding Highlights:

In addition to the slots required by the proposed DOJ settlement agreement, the report funds 75 (FY13) & 150 (FY14) slots for the ID Waiver and 25 (FY13) & 55 (FY14) for the DD Waiver
The report restores the cap on Personal Care hours to 56 per week (does not apply to ID, DD or Tech Waivers) and increases the rates for agency directed Personal Care (including respite and companion services) by 1% effective July 1, 2012
The report funds a 1% increase for congregate residential (including sponsored residential) to be effective July 1, 2012.

Language Additions:

To allow adults with ID on the EDCD Waiver to receive respite in a DBHDS licensed program,
To allow provider associations to be part of the DMAS IIH Workgroup
To improve on the proposed audit language and to create an advisory group of providers
To lay out the principles for system integrity for the BHSA contract for children’s mental health services
To require a report on the impact of reducing eligibility for HCBS services from 300% to 267% of SSI effective January 2014.

ID/DD Services & Supports:

Recognizing that rates have increased by less than 20% in more than 20 years, support restoration of rates in the ID, DD and DS Waivers to July 1, 2008 levels – 2.6% for congregate residential and 1% for other affected services
Support rate differentials for smaller congregate settings (4 beds or fewer) and for high intensity medical or behavioral supports, and the use of Trust Fund monies for start-up costs not covered by Medicaid
Consider carefully any proposals to change the structure of the care management system(s) currently in place, including managed care initiatives for the ID/DD populations
Review and respond as appropriate to the plans developed in response to DOJ initiatives to “right size” the Training Centers including those for a Supports Waiver,

Behavioral Health Services:

Recognizing that in the past 24 months requirements for staff credentials have been significantly increased, caseloads have been reduced, requirements for supervisory oversight have been increased, and the VICAP process has significantly reduced new referrals; support restoration of rates to January 1, 2010 levels for Intensive In-Home (14.3%), Therapeutic Day Treatment (4%), and Residential A & B (5%);

Provider Issues:

DBHDS implementation of initiatives in the “Creating Opportunities” Plan, and the Comprehensive Plan,
Initiatives which are part of or in response to the JLARC study or the budget initiative on methodologies to be employed in provider integrity to make the system more provider friendly while guarding against fraud or abuse, and
Any initiative which would limit the right of the individual to make an informed choice of a service/support provider.

November 1, 2011