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| New Implementation Date for Cuts to IHSS Program |
Recent legislation designed to eliminate a $26 billion state budget deficit will impose changes to the IHSS Program that will impact consumers and providers throughout the state. Two of the changes that will result in a loss of eligibility or a reduction in hours for thousands of consumers were originally scheduled to be implemented on September 1st. However, the California Department of Social Services postponed that implementation date and has recently set a new date of November 1st. Change in Eligibility Requirements - When being assessed for IHSS, applicants are given a functional index score, which is an average measure of their relative dependence on human assistance for performance of basic program tasks. Scores range from 1 to 6, with 1 representing the least functional limitation and 6 representing the greatest functional limitation. Beginning November 1st, consumers who have a functional index score of less than 2 will no longer be eligible to receive services under the IHSS Program. The exact number of consumers who will lose their eligibility for services is unknown, but it is estimated to be around 10% of the IHSS population. At this time, consumers who receive either paramedical services or protective supervision will be exempt from this program change. Reductions in Hours for Domestic and Related Services - When being assessed for IHSS, applicants are given a functional ranking (between 1 and 5) for each category of service, based on their ability to complete that particular task on their own or with assistance. Beginning November 1st, consumers will lose hours for any domestic and related service (i.e., cleaning, laundry, shopping, etc.) for which they are given a ranking of less than 4. The exact number of consumers who will see a reduction in hours related to this measure is not yet known, but it is estimated to be around 25% of the IHSS population. At this time, consumers who receive either paramedical services or protective supervision will be exempt from this program change. Most consumers do not know what their functional index scores or functional rankings are. Consumers who wish to find out this information should contact their IHSS social worker. Unfortunately, PASC does not have this information. Consumers who will be impacted by these program changes should receive a Notice of Action from the state at least 10 days before the effective date. Those consumers affected by the changes have the right to appeal their reduction in services if they believe that their functional index scores and/or functional rankings have been determined incorrectly. See below for more information on filing an appeal. Back to top |
| Keeping Your IHSS While Appealing Cuts to Services |
  As stated in the article above, recent legislation will soon result in either a reduction in hours or a complete loss of eligibility for certain IHSS consumers. If you receive a Notice of Action (NOA) stating that you will be impacted by these changes, you have the right to request a state hearing to appeal the decision if you believe that your functional index score or functional rankings have been calculated incorrectly, or if you feel that you cannot remain safely in your home without these services. Requesting a Fair Hearing If you decide to appeal a reduction of IHSS hours or a loss of benefits, you should request a fair hearing before the NOA's effective date (found in the upper right corner of the NOA). If you request the hearing before this date and request " Aid Paid Pending," you will be able to continue receiving services while the case is being reviewed. Even if you lose your appeal, you will not have to pay for any services you received while your case was being decided. (This decision could take several months.) Hearings can be requested by phone or in writing. To request a hearing by phone, call 800-952-5253 or TDD: 800-952-8349. To request a hearing in writing, complete the form on the back of the NOA and fax it to 916-229-4110,or send it by registered mail to either the address on the NOA or to: California Department of Social Services - State Hearing Division
PO Box 944243, Mail Station 19-37
Sacramento, CA 94244-2430 Be sure to keep copies of any documents that you submit, including both sides of the NOA. For more information on filing an appeal and preparing for your hearing, visit our website at www.pascla.org and download the IHSS Fair Hearing Process document. You may also contact Disability Rights California at 877-601-4477.
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| Share of Cost Buyout Program Eliminated October 1st |
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A Share of Cost (SOC) is the amount that an individual with a higher income level must pay every month for Medi-Cal and IHSS services, similar to a monthly deductible. The SOC buyout program is designed to protect consumers who would have to pay a greater SOC under Medi-Cal rules than they would have to pay under IHSS guidelines, by paying for the difference between their IHSS SOC and their Medi-Cal SOC.
Recent legislation passed to help balance the state budget has eliminated the buyout program beginning October 1st. This means that nearly 10,000 consumers throughout the state will no longer benefit from the program and will have to pay a higher SOC.
Not all consumers with an SOC are on the buyout program. Those who are will receive a notice from the state regarding any changes in their SOC. Consumers will not be able to file an appeal based on these increases. However, an appeal may be filed if a consumer believes that their SOC has been calculated incorrectly. Appeals can be filed by calling 800-952-5253.
In addition, consumers can contact their Medi-Cal eligibility worker for information on programs that allow individuals to receive Medi-Cal with a $0 SOC such as:
- The 250% Working Disabled Program - allows an individual to earn an income and purchase full-scope Medi-Cal by paying a monthly premium
- The Aged and Disabled Federal Poverty Level Program - provides free, full-scope Medi-Cal services for seniors and individuals with disabilities who meet certain income and asset requirements
- The Medi-Cal 1619b Waiver - allows working SSI recipients to maintain eligibility for Medi-Cal even if their SSI payments have been reduced to $0
- The Pickle Amendment Program - provides free Medi-Cal to individuals who became ineligible for SSI due to Social Security cost of living adjustments
Consumers who have recently received a Notice of Action notifying them of an increased SOC may also call PASC at 877-565-4477 for further information and assistance.
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| Affordable Housing for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities |
 The L.A. County Housing Authority operates an affordable housing program for seniors and persons with a disabilities that allows them to rent an apartment for approximately 30% of their monthly adjusted income. The program maintains over 7,400 housing units (1,400 of which are dedicated to seniors and persons with disabilities) spread throughout Santa Clarita, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, Los Angeles, La Crescenta, La Puente, Whittier, and Long Beach. In order to qualify for one of the affordable housing units, you (or the head of household) must either have a disability or be at least 62 years old. You must also meet certain income-based criteria set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Under current limits, a single person could earn as much as $44,400, and two people could earn as much as $50,750 and still qualify. How Do I Apply? To apply, call the Housing Authority at 800-731-4663 or 562-347-4663. You can also apply online at www.hacla.org. They will need your name, address, phone number, Social Security number, date of birth, estimated annual income and the sources of your income. Is There a Waiting Period? Yes. Currently, the average waiting period is about two years. At any time during the waiting period, you can call the phone number listed above and check on your status on the waiting list. Once your name reaches the top of the list, you will be mailed an application. Be sure to fill it out and return it before the date required, or you may lose your spot. Once the application is received, your eligibility will be reviewed, and you will then be referred to a housing site in which there is a vacancy. |
| Alzheimer's Savvy Program |
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The Alzheimer's Association invites you to participate in a free six-week Savvy Caregiver Workshop. The Savvy program offers information, tools, strategies and effective communication techniques for people caring for someone with dementia.
These proven interventions have been developed by researchers who have experience working with people with Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's Association will present certificates to each individual at the end of the Savvy workshop.
To be eligible for this program, caregivers must:
- Provide informal care for an individual with Alzheimer's disease
- Be available to attend all sessions of the workshop
For more information on locations and registration, click here.
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| Upcoming Trainings and Events
Click on event for more information |
For information on additional events, please visit the Calendar section of our website at www.pascla.org.
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Legislation Watch
Click on bill for more information |
| AB 378 (Cook) - IHSS Provider Training: This bill would require public authorities to develop and implement training standards for IHSS providers throughout the state.
AB 682 (Lowenthal) - IHSS Background Checks: This bill would give IHSS nonprofit consortiums or public authorities the option of paying for the criminal background checks for IHSS providers. It would also require the state to seek federal financial participation to cover costs associated with conducting the criminal background check.
SB 142 (Maldonado) - IHSS Authorized Tasks: This bill would require the Department of Social Services to devise a method to ensure that an IHSS provider receives a list of approved tasks before working for an IHSS consumer.
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