Governor Releases Revised Budget Proposal

On May 16th, Governor Jerry Brown released his revised budget proposal for fiscal year 2011-2012, which includes changes in the state's estimated revenues and continues to address a multibillion dollar deficit. In March, the governor signed a series of budget related trailer bills that will implement many changes and cuts to IHSS and other Medi-Cal services. (More information on those changes/cuts can be found on PASC's website at www.pascla.org.) The governor's revised budget proposal does not include any additional cuts to these programs. However, the proposal does include significant cuts that will impact IHSS Public Authorities and Adult Day Health Care Center participants who will soon need to be transitioned into other programs.

IHSS Public Authorities

Nearly every county in California has an IHSS Public Authority, such as PASC, that is mandated by state law to provide specific services to the IHSS community. Public authorities operate registry referral services to assist IHSS consumers in locating homecare workers, provide training and education for IHSS consumers and workers, represent IHSS consumers in the collective bargaining process, and serve as a vehicle for IHSS consumers to have their voices heard. In some counties, including L.A., public authorities administer health benefit plans for IHSS homecare workers, provide back-up services for consumers who unexpectedly find themselves without a worker, conduct criminal background checks on IHSS homecare workers, provide information and referral assistance, and provide an array of other support services to assist IHSS consumers and workers with navigating the IHSS system.

Over the last few years, funding for public authorities has been reduced from a high of approximately $57 million in fiscal year 2008-2009 to $27 million in the current fiscal year. The governor has proposed to lower funding for public authorities to $17 million for fiscal year 2011-2012. If passed, this would mean that funding for public authorities will have been reduced by 69% over the last few years. As a result, many public authorities, including PASC, will have to significantly reduce the services that they provide to consumers and homecare workers. Public authorities in some counties may be closed down completely.

Adult Day Health Care Transitioning

Included in the budget trailer bills signed by the governor in March was a proposal to eliminate all state funding for Adult Day Health Care Centers (ADHCs). The legislature also allocated $85 million for transitioning ADHC participants into other programs such as IHSS, to ensure that they continue to get the care that they need. The governor's May revise proposes to reduce this transitional funding to $25 million. It is estimated that nearly 68% of ADHC participants also receive IHSS and will require additional hours of care when they are no longer able to utilize the ADHC services.

Debate on the governor's proposals are just beginning. The legislature has until June 15th to pass a final budget package. Additional Information will be posted on PASC's website as it becomes available.

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PASC is currently collecting information that will show the legislature the importance of the services that public authorities provide for consumers and providers. Please help PASC in our fight to restore funding for public authorities by taking a brief survey (click here) on how our services have helped you.

PASC Consumer Network: An Opportunity for Consumers to Help Each Other

PASC is in the early stages of developing a network to provide IHSS consumers an opportunity to work more closely with us, and to help each other navigate the IHSS system. When working together, consumers can create a stronger voice within the system, provide guidance based on firsthand experience with the program, and help to ensure that their peers are getting the services and care that they need. There are several ways that a consumer can be involved with this new network, and the amount of time required will be completely up to each individual. Below are a few examples of how consumers in the network will be able to help. 

Influence PASC Programs 

PASC is an IHSS consumer driven organization that is here to help you. Members of the network will be asked to provide occasional input on a variety of projects that PASC is working on and to help in coordinating focus groups and survey efforts so that we can learn how to better serve IHSS consumers.

Consumer Peer-to-Peer Support

PASC often communicates with IHSS consumers who are struggling with a variety of issues related to being an employer, navigating the IHSS system, getting the hours that they need, etc. PASC is looking for IHSS consumers to join our network and use their experience with the program to provide peer-to-peer support and advice to other consumers. PASC will provide Peer Mentors with training and stipends to cover certain expenses. Being an IHSS consumer can sometimes be a frustrating experience, but having the support of others who have been through the same struggles can go a long way in helping.

Consumer Directed Trainings

PASC continues to expand its training programs by offering a series of trainings for consumers, conducted by consumers. Examples of training topics will include tips on hiring and training a provider, working through the IHSS appeals process, how to handle conflicts between consumers and homecare workers, etc. We are looking for individuals to join the network who are willing to share their experiences with other consumers through these trainings.

Consumer Outreach and Legislative Advocacy

PASC often reaches out to the senior and disabled communities at various outreach events, and meets with legislative leaders to discuss issues pertaining to IHSS. As an organization that represents IHSS consumers, it is important that the individuals who utilize the services are there with us to put a human face to the program. Consumers who volunteer for the network will have the opportunity to assist PASC with these endeavors.

If you are interested in assisting PASC with any of the above, please give us a call at 877-565-4477 and ask to speak to a member of the outreach team. 

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PASC Consumer TeleWorkshop: New Medi-Cal Rules for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities

Join PASC for a free teleconference featuring Barbara Seigal, Managing Attorney for Neighborhood Legal Services, on the mandatory enrollment of Medi-Cal recipients into managed care plans. Questions addressed will include:

• What is Managed Care?
• Who must enroll?
• When should you enroll?
• Where will you get care?
• Why is the State making these changes?
• How will the changes be implemented?

The call will be held on Wednesday, May 25th from 1 PM - 2 PM. To participate in the call, simply dial the toll free number below, and enter the conference ID number when prompted to do so. 

Toll Free Call in Number - 866-885-0409

Conference ID - 565591  

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Upcoming Trainings and Events 

PASC Consumer TeleWorkshop (teleconference) - May 25th: Learn about new Medi-Cal rules for seniors and persons with disabilities.

PASC/IHSS Mobile Help Desk (Lancaster) - May 27th: A PASC representative will be available to answer your questions and listen to your concerns about the IHSS Program.

PASC Board Meeting (L.A.) - June 6th: This meeting is open to the public and provides a forum for IHSS consumers to have their voices heard.

IHSS Consumer Training (El Monte) - June 13th: Topics include applying for IHSS, understanding the IHSS notice of action, getting the hours you need, the impact of the state budget on IHSS, selecting the right homecare worker, and communication tips for consumers and providers.

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Congratulations!

Congratulations to PASC staff member Oleeta Igar, who was recently elected Secretary for the Los Angeles County Commission for Older Adults. To learn about the Commission for Older Adults, visit their website at css.lacounty.gov

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