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IHSS Consumer Conference Call: Updates on Proposed Cuts to IHSS | |
In the last few days, the state assembly and senate have taken action on many of the proposed changes to the IHSS and Medi-Cal programs. The Personal Assistance Services Council (PASC) will host its third IHSS Consumer Conference Call on Wednesday, March 23rd to discuss these actions and to give updates on the budget process. The conference call will be moderated by Karen Keeslar, Executive Director of the California Association of Public Authorities. The proposed changes that will be discussed include:
- Reducing IHSS service hours by 8.4%
- Eliminating IHSS hours for domestic and related services
- Establishing a new IHSS eligibility certification requirement
- Eliminating funding for IHSS advisory committees
- Obtaining additional funding through the IHSS Community First Choice Option
- Reducing and/or cutting other programs utilized by IHSS consumers, including SSI/SSP, MSSP and Medi-Cal
The call will be held on March 23rd from 1 PM - 2 PM. Consumers who wish to join the conference should dial 866-885-0409 at approximately 1 PM, and enter conference ID number 565591.
For additional information on the proposed changes to IHSS and Medi-Cal, visit our website at www.pascla.org. For questions about the IHSS Consumer Conference Call, dial 877-565-4477 and ask to speak to an outreach representative.
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Enrolling in a Medi-Cal Health Plan | |
 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently approved the State of California's 1115 Waiver proposal, which is designed to improve the quality of healthcare, control healthcare spending, and help prepare the state for healthcare reform in 2014. As part of the newly approved waiver, all seniors and persons with disabilities who receive Medi-Cal will need to enroll in a Medi-Cal Health Plan beginning on June 1st. Individuals who receive both Medi-Cal and Medicare will not be impacted by this change.
Below are a few frequently-asked questions about enrolling in a Medi-Cal Health Plan.
When should I enroll?
You can enroll in a Medi-Cal Health Plan at any time! Once mandatory enrollment begins on June 1st, you will need to select a plan before the end of the month of your birthday. If you are already enrolled in a plan, you will not need to do anything.
What if I do not choose a plan?
It is likely that you already have established relationships with doctors, specialists, and other healthcare providers like wheelchair vendors and pharmacies. It is important that you choose a health plan that allows you to continue seeing as many of them as possible. If you do not choose a plan by the end of your birthday month, you will be automatically assigned to a plan.
Where can I get more information?
The Department of Health Care Services will host a community presentation on March 29th, at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP by calling 800-946-4719, or send an email to Medi-CalPresentations@berkeley.edu
Additional information can be found on the DHCS website at www.healthcareoptions.dhcs.ca.gov
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Do you have questions about PASC and the IHSS Program? Do you have suggestions for topics to be covered in the PASC E-News? Send your questions and suggestions to e-news@pascla.org. PASC E-News is designed for you to get the information you need! Note: If you do not wish to receive future editions or would like to update your profile with us, please scroll down to the bottom of this message and click on either " SafeUnsubscribe" or " Update Profile/Email Address." | |
Consumer Provides a Helping Hand | |
PASC's primary mission as the IHSS public authority is to enhance the quality of life for all consumers and providers who receive and provide IHSS. Over the years, there have been many consumers who havecontributed to PASC's efforts to support consumers and providers. One such consumer is Cat D.
Several months ago, Cat attended a PASC-sponsored training to learn about hiring and training homecare workers. As the training proceeded, it became apparent that Cat was very knowledgeable about hiring and training homecare workers. She provided information and commentary regarding questions that were asked, and provided the group with her perspective on situations that were presented. Because of her enthusiastic participation, PASC asked Cat if she would return to co-host the training on an ongoing basis. Since then, Cat has been volunteering her time for PASC's "How to Hire and Train Your Homecare Worker" training, and has added valuable insight to the training. Thank you, Cat!
PASC is currently exploring ways to increase consumer involvement in the many programs that we offer. More information on how you can become involved will be forthcoming. In the meantime, if you would like to help out with a training like Cat, please contact PASC's Training Department at877-565-4477 or email us at info@pascla.org.
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| Upcoming Trainings and Events
Click on event for more information | |
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| Legislation Watch |
Several bills have been introduced in the Senate and Assembly for the 2011-2012 legislative session, that could have an impact on the IHSS community. Listed below are that PASC is currently tracking. For additional information on any of the bills, visit PASC's website at www.pascla.org- AB 40 (Yamada) - Elder Abuse Reporting: Introduced December 6, 2010
- AB 43 (Monning) - Medi-Cal Eligibility: Introduced December 6, 2010.
- AB 138 (Beall) - Elder Economic Planning Act of 2011: Introduced January 13, 2011
- AB 367 (Smyth) - Elder Abuse Reporting: Introduced February 16, 2011
- AB 400 (Ma) - Paid Sick Days: Introduced February 16, 2011
- AB 479 (Nestande) - In-Home Supportive Services: Introduced February 15, 2011
- AB 594 (Yamada) - California Department of Aging and Adult Services: Introduced February 16, 2011
- SB 21 (Liu) - Long-term Care: Assessment and Planning: Introduced December 6, 2010
- SB 529 (Correa) - Community-based Services and Long-term Care Planning: Introduced February 17, 2011
- SB 930 (Evans) - IHSS Enrollment and Fingerprinting Requirements: Introduced February 18, 2011
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| | | Help Disaster Victims in Japan | |
The Little Tokyo Service Center website has a list of organizations accepting donations. For more info, visit their website at www.ltsc.org
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