The Arc of Illinois

July 1, 2010

Leaders in The Arc:

Director Teninty did a nice job of answering peoples questions about their contracts, cuts to grant programs and possible reserves.

Personally, I am very concerned that the Division took a lions share of the $312.6 million in cuts to the Dept of Human Services. The Division was cut by $94 million and all of those cuts were in the community!.

Here is my summary of the Directors web-cast today.

Tony Paulauski

The Arc of Illinois

815-4664-1832

Director Teninty Web-Cast Meeting on DDD FY11 Contracts

This web-cast will be posted on the Division of Developmental Disabilities website soon.

The Director reiterated that contracts are estimates and could be increased or decreased. They are not finalized at this time but you can assume your contract is good for FY11.

Contracts need to be in as soon as possible. It is in your best interest so you can bill for services beginning July 1st. There are 31 organizations have not yet submitted their contracts. DDD will try to post the list of organizations that have sent in their contracts.

DDD continues to advocate for funding the non Medicaid grants with the Gov Staff.

A 2.5% cut is being considered and under discussion but not yet implemented. If it is implemented, the cut would affect all DDD funded services. You would receive notice if that cut is going to be implemented with 30 to 60 days notice. The date of the cut would go into effect at the same time for all programs.

Reserves could happen but there are no instructions to reserve funds for DD services. This is still under discussion.

Organizations still converting to Medicaid will have had their contracts extended thru Sept. You should continue to work with your network staff on the conversion.

Respite grants are funded for six months. The Division is reviewing if these grants are the most efficient and effective way of funding respite. The Division could continue to fund respite as a grant after that review.

How much longer do you project the payment delays to increase in FY11? We are not sure how much longer payment delays are going to be in FY11. DDD processing of payment will continue to be about two weeks before submission to the Comptroller.

There is new contract language for non-obligated grants that requires that a budget within 30 days. Who does this apply to? First it is not necessary for purchase of care. You will hear from us about budget submission and non-obligated funds.

The Family Assistance Program remains in FY11for now with the caveat of being converted to the Childrens HBSSP.

Funding for the states self-advocacy project has not been funded. DDD considers this a top priority for funding.

When will agencies that converted get their award letters? You should have them by now. Please contact your network.

What is the status of the grant funded dental programs? Their funding will continue.

The Director and her staff are very impressed with the quality and effectiveness they have seen in many community agencies, especially those that went through the conversion process. We have brought in about $60 million new Medicaid into the system. Well done!