Recent legislation designed to eliminate a $26 billion state budget deficit will change the IHSS Program. Two of the changes just days from starting will, unless prevented by litigation, result in the loss of eligibility or a reduction in hours for many consumers.

Most consumers will not know what their functional index score or functional rankings are.  If a consumer wants this information now, he/she may contact their IHSS social worker.  Unfortunately, PASC does not have this information.

Consumers who will be affected will soon receive a new Notice of Action (NOA) stating their functional index score and informing them of any loss in hours for domestic and related services.  Consumers who lose their eligibility for IHSS or see a reduction of hours as a result of these changes have the right to request a state hearing to appeal the decision.

The request for a hearing should be made immediately upon receipt of the NOA. If the request is made before the effective date listed on the NOA, the consumer may ask to be placed in "aid paid pending" status. Under aid paid pending status, services should remain the same until the consumer's hearing has been held and a decision has been issued. However, if the request is made after the effective date, the actions set forth in the NOA will go into effect and will only be reversed or modified if the appeal is successful. Information on how to request a hearing can be found on the back of the NOA.

 

For additional information on these and other changes to IHSS, please click here.

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