Good News for Individuals who Receive Medicaid Personal Care in Their Own Homes
The DDD Assessment has recently changed how it determines Medicaid Personal Care. If you or a family member receives Medicaid Personal Care and has high assistance needs for daily living activities or has behavior issues that impact the ability to receive personal care assistance, you may qualify for more hours starting September 1, 2007. If you are eligible for an increase, your case manager will contact you.
These changes are the result of the 2007-2009 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 775 and are expected to take effect beginning September 1, 2007.
The changes include:
1. Two new CARE classification groups in the C and D levels for clients who need more hours.
2. The C low base will increase by 12 hours.
3. Clients will no longer need a specific diagnosis in the E level should they meet all other criteria.
4. Total assistance in toileting will be added as an option to meet the Bladder/Bowel criteria for the E level.
5. In the B level, a scoring mechanism for behaviors has been created based upon the frequency and severity of the behaviors.
For those individuals who need additional supports, this is very good news. Current data projections estimate that 4,486 individuals will qualify for additional hours. Additionally, no one is expected to experience any decrease in Medicaid Personal Care as a result of these changes.
If you have any questions, please call your case resource manager at DDD for additional details.
Individual & Family Services Program:
A new partnership between individuals, families, and the Division of Developmental Disabilities
The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is starting a new program for individuals and families. This program will combine three Family Support programs into one.
The new program is called Individual and Family Services (IFS) program. This new program:
• Starts transitioning current participants in July, 2007
• Uses the DDD Assessment
• Allots funding based on need, ranging between $2,000 – $6,000
• Will add new people to the program over a period of time
What does this mean?
If you are currently receiving Family Support, you will be assessed and then transitioned to the new program. Your case manager will contact you to schedule an appointment.
The IFS program covers many services, including:
• Respite Care
• Transportation
• Equipment and Supplies
• Training
• Counseling
• Behavior Management
• Recreational Opportunities
• Therapies
• Architectural and Vehicular Modifications
• Excess Medical Costs (not covered by another source)
• Co-pays for Medical and Therapeutic Services
• Specialized Nutrition and Clothing
• Parent/Sibling Education
Family Support Waiting List:
DDD will be moving people onto the new Individual and Family Services Program. Families and individuals who are known to have emergent and/or high needs situations, and families and individuals who have been waiting the longest will be assessed for participation in the program.
For more information: call (360) 725-3415 or email ifsinfo@dshs.wa.gov or visit http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/ddd/family.shtml for more information on WAC 388-832 beginning in July, 2007. For a copy of the WAC, click here.
Like more information on the new DDD Assessment?
You can access Chapter 388 828 WAC - The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Assessment by accessing the following link:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=388-828
PC2's Mission:
The Pierce County Coalition for Developmental Disabilities (PC2) is a parent-driven,
501(c)3 organization, responsible for providing clear, consistent information for families and individuals with developmental disabilities in Pierce County, Washington.
PC2:
- Provides resource links for families.
- Publishes a newsletter with relevant articles and news.
- Creates and distributes a comprehensive Resource Guide for Pierce County.
- Conducts educational meetings on a variety of topics from birth to three education, housing/residential issues, transition from high school to adult services, employment and legal overviews, and more.
- Provides information at resource and vendor fairs throughout the county.
- Provides a Home Ownership Down Payment Assistance Program for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
- Hosts an annual Legislative Forum for constituents to meet and speak with their elected officials.
- Provides information on how the legislative process works and how your voice can make a difference.
- Shows you how you can connect with legislators and how to advocate for yourself.
- Helps families - like yours - find their voice!
Click here for a printable donation form.