Last Day of Session!
The budget is going to be debated today.  We are analyzing it now and will have more information once it has passed.  The BIMP bill which contains much of the direction about rates has not been reviewed yet.   

Good news – Legislation Going to the Governor for His Signature
SB1321 -The Medicaid Omnibus bill passed the House earlier today.  This bill, while a compromise, calls for a complete review of the Medicaid redetermination process within 90 days of the effective date of this act in order to identify changes allowing for more Illinoisans to be automatically renewed (ex-parte, Form B redetermination). Within 90 days of the completed review, HFS is to seek written federal approval of the policy changes, streamlining continuing eligibility by leveraging eligibility data from other public benefits programs, like SNAP, and increased stakeholder engagement requirements.  We are hopefully that this bill will make it easier for people with I/DD to gain and keep Medicaid.  It heads to the governor.

HB1438 – the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act.  It passed House prior and was amended in the Senate so will go back to the House on concurrence. Then it will head to the governor.

HB3299 – The sexual health, safety and education bill passed both chambers and is headed to the Governor.  Thanks to all those who called legislators to get this passed.  A huge shout out to Representative Davis and Senator Harmon for their leadership and support.

HB 2987 – the Protection of Individuals with Disabilities in the Criminal Justice System Task Force Act, which creates a task force to look at these issues statewide.  It heads to the Governor for signature.  A thanks to Rep Davis for his commitment to this issue.

HB3483 – PUNS Update and Transparency Bill, increases communication with people on the PUNs waiting list and updates language in the statute.  Passed both chambers and is headed to the Governor. A shout out to Rep Gabel and Senator Murphy for their leadership.

ISC Transition
Transition Advisory Group has been created and will be meeting to advise the department on improving the transition process.  Please remember, you can still send ideas and experiences thus far to isctransition@illinois.gov.

Services Inc shares information on their website and a letter to people in the areas they are scheduled to take over.  Here is the letter which tries to provide as much information about their activities and the transition process as possible at this point in time.  See the letter here.

Prairieland has already taken over for CSO/RIM (Community Service Options Rock Island & Mercer County) as of May 1, 2019.  

Following DDSME’s lawsuit against the state regarding the NOFO, where a settlement has still not been announced, last week Western Illinois Service Coordination, Central Illinois Service Coordination and DayOne Pact have also sued the state to gain the areas that they lost during the NOFO.  See here for the filing.  This week, Prairieland Services Coordination filled a counter-suit against both the state and DD Services of Metro East for breach of contract.     

DDD Calls for Feedback Plus New DDD Announcements
Please be advised that the DDD has posted a DRAFT Information Bulletin draft for your review and comment to our website sometime next week.  We are sending this DRAFT Information Bulletin to you for review via email at this time to allow more time for review and comment due to the delay in being able to get it posted to our website due to technical difficulties.

Here is the Bulletin on the 38U proposed change and the 30U proposed change.  These changes have come from the Employment Subcommittee of the Rates Oversight Committee formed in response to the request by the Ligas judge.  If you have feedback to share and/or concerns, please email me at meg@thearcofil.org.
Changing from 38U to 30U Program/Bill Code
http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=117758

Comments dues July 1, 2019.

Respite Grants among other grants are out!
Please be advised that the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) has published a list of all awardees for the FY20 NOFO process to our website at the following link:
http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=117714