Fun stuff about the changes thanks to the “Plus Waiver” program (called “IHSS-IPW”). Things like “in how many waivers may a person participate” (one 1115, several 1915’s, but never more than one 1115), who stays in residual IHSS, and whether they get state Medi-Cal, issues regarding parental/spousal care providers. Of note: parents can work, but not full-time, to get paid through IHH-IPW, and protective supervision and respite care hours are permissible. [Download]

Skipping the gory details, “the changes in SB 899 affect every employee in the State of California.” One change involves Worker’s Comp (“WC”) “Return to Work” programs. This impacts some, but not all, IHSS providers, as some, but not all, receive employer (i.e. state) provided workers’ comp. The State must provide WC to IHSS providers in the Individual Provider (IP) and the County Contract Modes. Accordingly, the State shall provide Return-to-Work and Supplemental Job Displacement benefits for these two modes. In addition, the State shall be responsible for the requirements to offer modified/alternative work to an injured employee under the IP Mode. Those program benefits are also described in the ACIN. [Download]

This ACIN provides information on how counties can/should be implementing the anti-fraud provisions in SB 1104 and existing rules to prevent and pursue IHSS fraud.  Just so you know what the counties will be up to. …  Includes ability to collect non-fraudulent overpayments against the chore provider. [Download]

How the interim share of cost process for the In-Home Supportive Services Residual/Personal Care Services Program/In-Home Supportive Services Plus Waiver (IHSS-R/PCSP/IHSS+) will operate until automation of the Case Management, Information, and Payrolling System (CMIPS) is completed. Recipients will be receiving two notices, one from IHSS and one from Medi-Cal re: their share of cost. The letter has technical details about the new processes for “buy out” and “Spendown” as it relates to the new system and share of cost. If you do Medi-Cal or IHSS, just read this! It is anticipated that automation of CMIPS will be completed in late Spring 2006. [Download]

Heads up for those working with individuals with disabilities in (or heading to) the workplace. This ACL implements AB 925 (which was effective January 1st, 2003!) which allows IHSS, PCSP, and the new IHSS Independence Plus Waiver (IPW) recipients to transfer service hours already authorized for use in the recipient’s home to a workplace in order to support employment. No additional hours, no new assessment. Ya gotta get county approval before doing the transfer. AB 925 coverage does not supplant employer ADA obligations. The services must be “necessary and relevant” to work. You can also transfer services needed to “obtain” work, such as job interviews or complying with pre-employment activities (including employer-offered or required training). [Download]