SD Network

News


U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, and U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell have introduced legislation to expand access to home and community-based services (HCBS) for adults, people with disabilities and injured workers, while increasing pay and improving benefits for in-home caregivers. 

Read more

Posted in: default | 0 comments

 StatsRRTC at the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability will release key findings from the Annual Disability Statistics Collection. The annual report addresses critical gaps in national and state data related to people with disabilities by synthesizing complex data from numerous U.S. federal agencies into accessible formats.

"We're getting our first look at post-COVID statistics for many indicators because the collection of 2020 data was corrupted by the COVID lockdown."
– Andrew Houtenville

The ADSC is designed to make finding and using disability statistics easier for individuals working on legislative and other matters relating to persons with disabilities. 

Key findings from this year's Compendium include:

  • The Annual Disability Statistics Compendium
  • Annual Disability Statistics Supplement
  • State Reports for County-Level Data
  • New and Updated Infographics
Posted in: default | 0 comments

Check out the webpage featuring the Youth Voice Youth Choice Ambassador Program.

Webpage

Posted in: default | 0 comments

The HCBS settings rule requires states to develop a transition plan for reaching and maintaining compliance with the rule. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) received final approval on its Statewide Transition Plan from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on January 20, 2023. Read the approved Statewide Transition Plan here. 

Find more information about the statewide transition plan.

Posted in: default | 0 comments

Now is the time to learn about and practice EVV



Electronic visit verification (EVV) is required by federal law. All states have to collect visit information using an EVV system or they won’t get their full federal funding for Medicaid.

Right now, EVV is in the soft launch phase. This is a time for provider agencies and workers to learn and start using an EVV system without affecting how provider agencies get paid.

When the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) moves to the hard launch phase on May 1, 2023, there will be consequences if workers aren’t using EVV for required services (codes T1019, T1020, S5125, and S5126). These consequences may include the provider agency not getting paid, not being part of future MCO or HMO capitation rate setting development, and possible IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) participant disenrollment.

Please learn about EVV now while we are in the soft launch phase, so you are ready to go by May 1, 2023. Here are two videos and a flyer that explain what EVV is and how it works. 

If you know someone who wants updates about EVV, ask them to sign up for our emails.

Please reach out with any questions or comments you may have. We value your time.

Wisconsin EVV Customer Care833-931-2035vdxc.contactevv@wisconsin.gov 

Hours: Monday-Friday7 a.m. - 6 p.m. CT

Posted in: default | 0 comments

Direct care workers, also referred to as direct service workers, provide essential supports to older adults and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and behavioral health needs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released an online training course and a series of resources that offer strategies and information on self-direction of home and community-based services, strengthening the direct service workforce (DSW) in rural areas, and emerging strategies for states.
_______________________________
 

Check out: ACL's Direct Care Workforce Page

Supporting and strengthening the direct care workforce is a priority for ACL. Living in the community and participating fully in community life often depends on the availability of services and supports provided by this workforce. Visit our direct care workforce webpage to find more federal resources focused on recruiting, training, retention, and self-direction. 
Posted in: default | 0 comments

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) took a major step towards rooting out longstanding inequities in housing and fostering inclusive communities by announcing the “Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH)" proposed rule. This proposed rule would implement the Fair Housing Act's affirmatively furthering fair housing mandate, which directs the government to promote fair housing choice, eliminate disparities in housing, and foster inclusive communities.

This proposed rule seeks to simplify the required fair housing analysis, emphasize goal-setting, increase transparency for public review and comment, foster local commitment to addressing fair housing issues, enhance HUD technical assistance to local communities, and provide mechanisms for regular program evaluation and greater accountability, among other changes.

The proposed rule contains a number of changes of particular note to the aging and disability community, including:

  • incorporating the housing needs of people with disabilities into the definition of “affordable opportunities;”
  • defining “fair housing choice” for persons with disabilities as providing “a realistic opportunity to obtain and maintain housing with accessibility features meeting the individual’s disability-related needs, housing provided in the most integrated setting appropriate to an individual’s needs, and housing where community assets are accessible to individuals with disabilities, including voluntary disability-related services that an individual needs to live in such housing;”
  • requiring consultation with organizations that advocate on behalf of individuals with disabilities such as centers for independent living, protection & advocacy agencies, aging and disability resource centers, and councils on developmental disabilities as a part of the community engagement process jurisdictions must take as they develop their Equity Plans; and
  • restores previous references to the Olmstead decision and the integration mandate of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

HUD seeks public comments on this proposed rule. The 60-day comment period will open once the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register. HUD has created a guide to submitting comments. ACL networks and stakeholders are encouraged to submit their views, comments, and recommendations.

Additional fair housing resources: review the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) Fact Sheet and Engaging the Disability Community in Fair Housing Planning Webinar Series.

Posted in: default | 0 comments

In January, HUD announced that it would provide $24.7 million for permanent affordable housing to people with disabilities. This award allows local public housing authorities to house up to 2,210 additional families, and further support community integration for persons with disabilities.

The assistance is provided through the HUD Section 811 Mainstream Housing Choice Voucher Program, which offers funding to housing agencies to assist non-elderly people with disabilities who are transitioning out of institutional or other isolated settings, at serious risk of institutionalization, homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless.

Read more

Posted in: default | 0 comments
   / 232