The details of these rate increases were shared today at our meeting on rebalancing. Providers will get new rate sheets in October. Director Casey indicated that this is the first step in addressing important community living issues. They are eliminating many of the rate issues that make it hard to provide small community living opportunities. Michael Gelder, Mark Doyle, Kevin Casey and Sheila Romano shared the good news!Providers can still become a part of the rebalancing initiative. Enrollment in the RFI process is open ended.

I keep telling you how much the Governor and his team are behind us in the rebalancing of the disability system. Take a look the Secretary’s letter below there are other increases not mentioned in this memo including increased nursing. More details will follow.

Tony

                                                                                           
  
Pat Quinn, Governor                                 Michelle R.B. Saddler, Secretary
 
100 South Grand Avenue, East    !   Springfield, Illinois 62762
401 South Clinton Street  ·  Chicago, Illinois 60607
 
September 14, 2012
 
Dear Colleague:
 
As you know, Governor Quinn is 100% committed to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities by rebalancing the way the state cares for these individuals by moving away from institutional care into community care settings. 
 
Your support and the vital services that you provide are more important than ever.
 
The Governor recognizes that the community Developmentally Disabled (DD) system is challenged by low rates and late payment cycles and responding to these difficult and complex issues is a top priority. 
 
To start this process the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) plans to:
 
 
  • Raise the fringe benefit percentage for all Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA) from 20% to 25%
  • Implement a number of rate changes that will help promote CILAs with four individuals or less

Under this rate restructure, the cost of improving quality of life and providing superior care in community settings will still be far less expensive than state operated developmental centers (SODC).  The average cost of SODC care is $200,000 per year, while the average cost of 24/7/365 community care is $50,000.  The average cost of supporting people who are transitioning from SODC care is $85,000.  The above items will take effect October 1, 2012. 
 
To further demonstrate our commitment to CILA providers that initiate services to at least eight individuals transitioning from an SODC under the rebalancing initiative, IDHS will:
 

  • Speed up payments to valued vendors by placing them on the state’s expedited payment list, which means they can anticipate receiving payments faster
  • Provide a three month funding advance each quarter for the duration of the rebalancing initiative
  • Double the amount of start-up funds for new CILAs from $2,500 to $5,000 per consumer
  • Implement a $200/month housing allowance for utility costs
  • Utilize grant resources to increase fire safety and accessibility upgrades (up to $30,000 per house)

 
We must all recognize that based on the serious financial challenges that were created over many decades in Illinois, these problems cannot be solved in one year.  Our commitments mark the beginning of an ongoing process to continue improving rates in the community DD system.  Thank you for your on-going support and advocacy for people with developmental disabilities.
 
 
Sincerely,
 
 
Michelle R.B. Saddler, Secretary
Kevin Casey, Director, Division of
 Developmental Disabilities


Tony Paulauski
Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
815-464-1832 (CELL)
Tony@www.thearcofil.org