RE: Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

[Guest guest]

Thanks for sharing GREAT news, Michele.

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

With all the doom and gloom, I wanted to share good news. I've heard that

Dir Teninty has called for reinstatement of the Family Assistance Program.

The plan, I believe, is to encourage FAP families to transfer to the

Children's Waiver. I am thrilled to be back " in the system " ! When the

threats were first made to cut FAP, I requested that we make the switch

quickly before the cuts happened. Of course, there was no time.

Now, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to make that switch so that we

can feel more secure staying " in " for the long-term. As we move forward

with the budget restructuring, I believe that Medicaid programs will remain

safe since they capture federal matching funds.

This is one situation where the Powers That Be have taken a logical and

appropriate step to undo damage to at least one small sector of the families

crushed in the initial cuts. Credit where and when credit is due --- this

is one case of doing the right thing.

Michele Westmaas

momonamission@...

http://momonamissionblogblogspot

[Guest guest]

Thanks for sharing GREAT news, Michele.

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

With all the doom and gloom, I wanted to share good news. I've heard that

Dir Teninty has called for reinstatement of the Family Assistance Program.

The plan, I believe, is to encourage FAP families to transfer to the

Children's Waiver. I am thrilled to be back " in the system " ! When the

threats were first made to cut FAP, I requested that we make the switch

quickly before the cuts happened. Of course, there was no time.

Now, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to make that switch so that we

can feel more secure staying " in " for the long-term. As we move forward

with the budget restructuring, I believe that Medicaid programs will remain

safe since they capture federal matching funds.

This is one situation where the Powers That Be have taken a logical and

appropriate step to undo damage to at least one small sector of the families

crushed in the initial cuts. Credit where and when credit is due --- this

is one case of doing the right thing.

Michele Westmaas

momonamission@...

http://momonamissionblogblogspot

[Guest guest]

I guess this begs the question...and I was out of town for a month, has the

medicaid home based program been reinstated? During the time we were

battling any cuts, we were getting conflicting info, it was and then it was

not cut. It of course would be stupid to cut it out since it brings in

those valuable fed. dollars but our lawmakers have not been acting in an

astute manner. On whose word do we have it that either or both of these

programs are still with us. Yes I am thankful both are being retained,

just want to know where this comes from, the gov? Our local people were

just not interested in keeping the medicaid program going. Cindi

[Guest guest]

I guess this begs the question...and I was out of town for a month, has the

medicaid home based program been reinstated? During the time we were

battling any cuts, we were getting conflicting info, it was and then it was

not cut. It of course would be stupid to cut it out since it brings in

those valuable fed. dollars but our lawmakers have not been acting in an

astute manner. On whose word do we have it that either or both of these

programs are still with us. Yes I am thankful both are being retained,

just want to know where this comes from, the gov? Our local people were

just not interested in keeping the medicaid program going. Cindi

[Guest guest]

Cindi-

I'm not positive. I got a call about the FAP because we are on it. But I

didn't get direct info about other programs.

This is from Tony's Aug 4th ARC message: " Initially the discussions would

begin with the childcare institutions, the Family Assistance Program and

PAS/ISC. The Division would then move on to other grant funded services. "

The message discusses reinstating grant programs and converting them to

waivers.

My PAS Agent was aware of the reinstatement and said that letters would be

going to families this week. So whatever is being reinstated, I think we

should know more soon.

Michele

_____

From: IPADDUnite [mailto:IPADDUnite ] On

Behalf Of Cindi Swanson

Sent: Saturday, August 08, 2009 9:23 AM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

I guess this begs the question...and I was out of town for a month, has the

medicaid home based program been reinstated? During the time we were

battling any cuts, we were getting conflicting info, it was and then it was

not cut. It of course would be stupid to cut it out since it brings in

those valuable fed. dollars but our lawmakers have not been acting in an

astute manner. On whose word do we have it that either or both of these

programs are still with us. Yes I am thankful both are being retained,

just want to know where this comes from, the gov? Our local people were

just not interested in keeping the medicaid program going. Cindi

[Guest guest]

Cindi-

I'm not positive. I got a call about the FAP because we are on it. But I

didn't get direct info about other programs.

This is from Tony's Aug 4th ARC message: " Initially the discussions would

begin with the childcare institutions, the Family Assistance Program and

PAS/ISC. The Division would then move on to other grant funded services. "

The message discusses reinstating grant programs and converting them to

waivers.

My PAS Agent was aware of the reinstatement and said that letters would be

going to families this week. So whatever is being reinstated, I think we

should know more soon.

Michele

_____

From: IPADDUnite [mailto:IPADDUnite ] On

Behalf Of Cindi Swanson

Sent: Saturday, August 08, 2009 9:23 AM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

I guess this begs the question...and I was out of town for a month, has the

medicaid home based program been reinstated? During the time we were

battling any cuts, we were getting conflicting info, it was and then it was

not cut. It of course would be stupid to cut it out since it brings in

those valuable fed. dollars but our lawmakers have not been acting in an

astute manner. On whose word do we have it that either or both of these

programs are still with us. Yes I am thankful both are being retained,

just want to know where this comes from, the gov? Our local people were

just not interested in keeping the medicaid program going. Cindi

[Guest guest]

The information I have is that the medicaid home based support services program

was not ever cut and will not be cut.

Information comes from DHS/DDD.

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Re: Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

I guess this begs the question...and I was out of town for a month, has the

medicaid home based program been reinstated? During the time we were

battling any cuts, we were getting conflicting info, it was and then it was

not cut. It of course would be stupid to cut it out since it brings in

those valuable fed. dollars but our lawmakers have not been acting in an

astute manner. On whose word do we have it that either or both of these

programs are still with us. Yes I am thankful both are being retained,

just want to know where this comes from, the gov? Our local people were

just not interested in keeping the medicaid program going. Cindi

[Guest guest]

The information I have is that the medicaid home based support services program

was not ever cut and will not be cut.

Information comes from DHS/DDD.

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Re: Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

I guess this begs the question...and I was out of town for a month, has the

medicaid home based program been reinstated? During the time we were

battling any cuts, we were getting conflicting info, it was and then it was

not cut. It of course would be stupid to cut it out since it brings in

those valuable fed. dollars but our lawmakers have not been acting in an

astute manner. On whose word do we have it that either or both of these

programs are still with us. Yes I am thankful both are being retained,

just want to know where this comes from, the gov? Our local people were

just not interested in keeping the medicaid program going. Cindi

[Guest guest]

Ellen-

That is good news. Thanks for clarifying. I couldn't remember what had and

hadn't been cut :-)

BTW - I did get my letter today. It says that FAP families will get more

info on voluntary conversion to the waiver in the coming months.

Michele

_____

From: IPADDUnite [mailto:IPADDUnite ] On

Behalf Of ELLEN BRONFELD

Sent: Saturday, August 08, 2009 10:35 AM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

The information I have is that the medicaid home based support services

program was not ever cut and will not be cut.

Information comes from DHS/DDD.

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

[Guest guest]

Ellen-

That is good news. Thanks for clarifying. I couldn't remember what had and

hadn't been cut :-)

BTW - I did get my letter today. It says that FAP families will get more

info on voluntary conversion to the waiver in the coming months.

Michele

_____

From: IPADDUnite [mailto:IPADDUnite ] On

Behalf Of ELLEN BRONFELD

Sent: Saturday, August 08, 2009 10:35 AM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

The information I have is that the medicaid home based support services

program was not ever cut and will not be cut.

Information comes from DHS/DDD.

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

[Guest guest]

Not sure if I am missing something or just am just confused. (For those

that know me, I know it doesn't take much). But want to make sure I

understand correctly that the families that were receiving the monthly

stipend in the Family Assistance Program have been reinstated for everyone?

I was hoping that we received a letter today like mentioned in another email

today, but unfortunately have not received anything.

Thanks for everyone's help!

Kathy

_____

From: IPADDUnite [mailto:IPADDUnite ] On

Behalf Of Michele Westmaas

Sent: Saturday, August 08, 2009 11:18 AM

IPADDUnite

Subject: RE: Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

Ellen-

That is good news. Thanks for clarifying. I couldn't remember what had and

hadn't been cut :-)

BTW - I did get my letter today. It says that FAP families will get more

info on voluntary conversion to the waiver in the coming months.

Michele

_____

From: IPADDUnite@gro <mailto:IPADDUnite%40> ups.com

[mailto:IPADDUnite@gro <mailto:IPADDUnite%40> ups.com]

On

Behalf Of ELLEN BRONFELD

Sent: Saturday, August 08, 2009 10:35 AM

IPADDUnite@gro <mailto:IPADDUnite%40> ups.com

Subject: Re: Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

The information I have is that the medicaid home based support services

program was not ever cut and will not be cut.

Information comes from DHS/DDD.

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

[Guest guest]

Not sure if I am missing something or just am just confused. (For those

that know me, I know it doesn't take much). But want to make sure I

understand correctly that the families that were receiving the monthly

stipend in the Family Assistance Program have been reinstated for everyone?

I was hoping that we received a letter today like mentioned in another email

today, but unfortunately have not received anything.

Thanks for everyone's help!

Kathy

_____

From: IPADDUnite [mailto:IPADDUnite ] On

Behalf Of Michele Westmaas

Sent: Saturday, August 08, 2009 11:18 AM

IPADDUnite

Subject: RE: Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

Ellen-

That is good news. Thanks for clarifying. I couldn't remember what had and

hadn't been cut :-)

BTW - I did get my letter today. It says that FAP families will get more

info on voluntary conversion to the waiver in the coming months.

Michele

_____

From: IPADDUnite@gro <mailto:IPADDUnite%40> ups.com

[mailto:IPADDUnite@gro <mailto:IPADDUnite%40> ups.com]

On

Behalf Of ELLEN BRONFELD

Sent: Saturday, August 08, 2009 10:35 AM

IPADDUnite@gro <mailto:IPADDUnite%40> ups.com

Subject: Re: Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

The information I have is that the medicaid home based support services

program was not ever cut and will not be cut.

Information comes from DHS/DDD.

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

[Guest guest]

Kathy-

Yes, that is right. If you were in the FAP and got the letter saying the

program was ending, you will get a letter saying that it's being reinstated.

We live near Springfield so perhaps our mail arrived more quickly. Letter

is dated Aug 6th. Bold statement mid-letter says that July payments are

being processed on time. Next paragraph says that the Division will be

contacting all FAP families in the next few months to discuss the potential

of converting to the Children's waiver. Conversion will be voluntary.

So if you thought the June check was the last, don't despair! July is on

its way.

Michele

_____

From: IPADDUnite [mailto:IPADDUnite ] On

Behalf Of Kathy Brierton

Sent: Saturday, August 08, 2009 12:39 PM

IPADDUnite

Subject: RE: Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

Not sure if I am missing something or just am just confused. (For those

that know me, I know it doesn't take much). But want to make sure I

understand correctly that the families that were receiving the monthly

stipend in the Family Assistance Program have been reinstated for everyone?

I was hoping that we received a letter today like mentioned in another email

today, but unfortunately have not received anything.

Thanks for everyone's help!

Kathy

[Guest guest]

Kathy-

Yes, that is right. If you were in the FAP and got the letter saying the

program was ending, you will get a letter saying that it's being reinstated.

We live near Springfield so perhaps our mail arrived more quickly. Letter

is dated Aug 6th. Bold statement mid-letter says that July payments are

being processed on time. Next paragraph says that the Division will be

contacting all FAP families in the next few months to discuss the potential

of converting to the Children's waiver. Conversion will be voluntary.

So if you thought the June check was the last, don't despair! July is on

its way.

Michele

_____

From: IPADDUnite [mailto:IPADDUnite ] On

Behalf Of Kathy Brierton

Sent: Saturday, August 08, 2009 12:39 PM

IPADDUnite

Subject: RE: Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

Not sure if I am missing something or just am just confused. (For those

that know me, I know it doesn't take much). But want to make sure I

understand correctly that the families that were receiving the monthly

stipend in the Family Assistance Program have been reinstated for everyone?

I was hoping that we received a letter today like mentioned in another email

today, but unfortunately have not received anything.

Thanks for everyone's help!

Kathy

[Guest guest]

The Home-Based Support Services program was never eliminated so it can't be

re-instated.

There was a time that it was " slated " to be eliminated back in the 50%

doomsday budget proposals.

As for now, ALL DD waiver funded services are being given priority because

they get federal match.

Charlotte

_____

From: IPADDUnite [mailto:IPADDUnite ] On

Behalf Of Cindi Swanson

Sent: Saturday, August 08, 2009 9:23 AM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

I guess this begs the question...and I was out of town for a month, has the

medicaid home based program been reinstated? During the time we were

battling any cuts, we were getting conflicting info, it was and then it was

not cut. It of course would be stupid to cut it out since it brings in

those valuable fed. dollars but our lawmakers have not been acting in an

astute manner. On whose word do we have it that either or both of these

programs are still with us. Yes I am thankful both are being retained,

just want to know where this comes from, the gov? Our local people were

just not interested in keeping the medicaid program going. Cindi

[Guest guest]

The Home-Based Support Services program was never eliminated so it can't be

re-instated.

There was a time that it was " slated " to be eliminated back in the 50%

doomsday budget proposals.

As for now, ALL DD waiver funded services are being given priority because

they get federal match.

Charlotte

_____

From: IPADDUnite [mailto:IPADDUnite ] On

Behalf Of Cindi Swanson

Sent: Saturday, August 08, 2009 9:23 AM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

I guess this begs the question...and I was out of town for a month, has the

medicaid home based program been reinstated? During the time we were

battling any cuts, we were getting conflicting info, it was and then it was

not cut. It of course would be stupid to cut it out since it brings in

those valuable fed. dollars but our lawmakers have not been acting in an

astute manner. On whose word do we have it that either or both of these

programs are still with us. Yes I am thankful both are being retained,

just want to know where this comes from, the gov? Our local people were

just not interested in keeping the medicaid program going. Cindi

[Guest guest]

I am relieved to hear this good news!  However, we can not rest, we have  a

great deal of work to do.  Illinois is such a mess when it comes to funding

services. 

Bedard

Ricky, andra and Tiffy's Mom

From: Charlotte Cronin <fsn@...>

Subject: RE: Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

IPADDUnite

Date: Saturday, August 8, 2009, 9:28 PM

 

The Home-Based Support Services program was never eliminated

so it can't be

re-instated.

There was a time that it was " slated " to be eliminated back in the 50%

doomsday budget proposals.

As for now, ALL DD waiver funded services are being given priority because

they get federal match.

Charlotte

_____

From: IPADDUnite@gro ups.com [mailto:IPADDUnite@gro ups.com] On

Behalf Of Cindi Swanson

Sent: Saturday, August 08, 2009 9:23 AM

IPADDUnite@gro ups.com

Subject: Re: Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

I guess this begs the question...and I was out of town for a month, has the

medicaid home based program been reinstated? During the time we were

battling any cuts, we were getting conflicting info, it was and then it was

not cut. It of course would be stupid to cut it out since it brings in

those valuable fed. dollars but our lawmakers have not been acting in an

astute manner. On whose word do we have it that either or both of these

programs are still with us. Yes I am thankful both are being retained,

just want to know where this comes from, the gov? Our local people were

just not interested in keeping the medicaid program going. Cindi

[Guest guest]

I am relieved to hear this good news!  However, we can not rest, we have  a

great deal of work to do.  Illinois is such a mess when it comes to funding

services. 

Bedard

Ricky, andra and Tiffy's Mom

From: Charlotte Cronin <fsn@...>

Subject: RE: Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

IPADDUnite

Date: Saturday, August 8, 2009, 9:28 PM

 

The Home-Based Support Services program was never eliminated

so it can't be

re-instated.

There was a time that it was " slated " to be eliminated back in the 50%

doomsday budget proposals.

As for now, ALL DD waiver funded services are being given priority because

they get federal match.

Charlotte

_____

From: IPADDUnite@gro ups.com [mailto:IPADDUnite@gro ups.com] On

Behalf Of Cindi Swanson

Sent: Saturday, August 08, 2009 9:23 AM

IPADDUnite@gro ups.com

Subject: Re: Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

I guess this begs the question...and I was out of town for a month, has the

medicaid home based program been reinstated? During the time we were

battling any cuts, we were getting conflicting info, it was and then it was

not cut. It of course would be stupid to cut it out since it brings in

those valuable fed. dollars but our lawmakers have not been acting in an

astute manner. On whose word do we have it that either or both of these

programs are still with us. Yes I am thankful both are being retained,

just want to know where this comes from, the gov? Our local people were

just not interested in keeping the medicaid program going. Cindi

[Guest guest]

Thanks for confirming this Charlotte.

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Re: Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

I guess this begs the question...and I was out of town for a month, has the

medicaid home based program been reinstated? During the time we were

battling any cuts, we were getting conflicting info, it was and then it was

not cut. It of course would be stupid to cut it out since it brings in

those valuable fed. dollars but our lawmakers have not been acting in an

astute manner. On whose word do we have it that either or both of these

programs are still with us. Yes I am thankful both are being retained,

just want to know where this comes from, the gov? Our local people were

just not interested in keeping the medicaid program going. Cindi

[Guest guest]

Thanks for confirming this Charlotte.

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Re: Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

I guess this begs the question...and I was out of town for a month, has the

medicaid home based program been reinstated? During the time we were

battling any cuts, we were getting conflicting info, it was and then it was

not cut. It of course would be stupid to cut it out since it brings in

those valuable fed. dollars but our lawmakers have not been acting in an

astute manner. On whose word do we have it that either or both of these

programs are still with us. Yes I am thankful both are being retained,

just want to know where this comes from, the gov? Our local people were

just not interested in keeping the medicaid program going. Cindi

[Guest guest]

I've typed in below the text from the body of the letter that was received

by a Peoria family on Saturday. I've eliminated the identifying contact

info. If you've not received your letter yet, I'm sure it's in the mail!

It is good to get glimmers of good news in these very difficult times.

Charlotte

_____

August 6, 2009

DEAR FAMILY OF ********:

In June of this year, we informed you that funding for the Family Assistance

Program (FP) might not continue into Fiscal Year 2010, which began July 1,

2009, due to the State's budget situation. At that time, it appeared the

payment for the month of June of 2009 might have been the final monthly cash

stipend for your child under this program.

Now that Illinois does have an official budget for this fiscal year; we are

pleased to inform you that payments under the FAP will continue in to Fiscal

Year 2010. The July payment for your child is now being processed on

schedule.

While we are pleased with the continuation of this program, as you know, the

State continues to face difficult economic times. We must ensure that we are

making every effort to use resources wisely and effectively. To that end, we

will be contacting everyone in the FAP over the next few months to discuss

the potential of converting from the FAP to the Children's Home Based

Support Services (HBS) Program. Although not a cash stipend, the HBS program

offers a higher monthly service amount and the appeal protections of a

Medicaid program. Any conversion would be voluntary. We will provide you

with more information about this option in the next few months.

While we truly regret the uncertainty your family has experienced over the

budget situation, we are grateful that the General Assembly and the

Administration identified persons with developmental disabilities as

priority in determining the final budget for this difficult financial year.

We are pleased that your child's payments can continue without interruption.

Sincerely,

Lilia Teninty

Director

_____

From: IPADDUnite [mailto:IPADDUnite ] On

Behalf Of Kathy Brierton

Sent: Saturday, August 08, 2009 12:39 PM

IPADDUnite

Subject: RE: Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

Not sure if I am missing something or just am just confused. (For those that

know me, I know it doesn't take much). But want to make sure I understand

correctly that the families that were receiving the monthly stipend in the

Family Assistance Program have been reinstated for everyone? I was hoping

that we received a letter today like mentioned in another email today, but

unfortunately have not received anything.

Thanks for everyone's help!

Kathy

_____

[Guest guest]

I've typed in below the text from the body of the letter that was received

by a Peoria family on Saturday. I've eliminated the identifying contact

info. If you've not received your letter yet, I'm sure it's in the mail!

It is good to get glimmers of good news in these very difficult times.

Charlotte

_____

August 6, 2009

DEAR FAMILY OF ********:

In June of this year, we informed you that funding for the Family Assistance

Program (FP) might not continue into Fiscal Year 2010, which began July 1,

2009, due to the State's budget situation. At that time, it appeared the

payment for the month of June of 2009 might have been the final monthly cash

stipend for your child under this program.

Now that Illinois does have an official budget for this fiscal year; we are

pleased to inform you that payments under the FAP will continue in to Fiscal

Year 2010. The July payment for your child is now being processed on

schedule.

While we are pleased with the continuation of this program, as you know, the

State continues to face difficult economic times. We must ensure that we are

making every effort to use resources wisely and effectively. To that end, we

will be contacting everyone in the FAP over the next few months to discuss

the potential of converting from the FAP to the Children's Home Based

Support Services (HBS) Program. Although not a cash stipend, the HBS program

offers a higher monthly service amount and the appeal protections of a

Medicaid program. Any conversion would be voluntary. We will provide you

with more information about this option in the next few months.

While we truly regret the uncertainty your family has experienced over the

budget situation, we are grateful that the General Assembly and the

Administration identified persons with developmental disabilities as

priority in determining the final budget for this difficult financial year.

We are pleased that your child's payments can continue without interruption.

Sincerely,

Lilia Teninty

Director

_____

From: IPADDUnite [mailto:IPADDUnite ] On

Behalf Of Kathy Brierton

Sent: Saturday, August 08, 2009 12:39 PM

IPADDUnite

Subject: RE: Reinstatement of Family Assistance Program

Not sure if I am missing something or just am just confused. (For those that

know me, I know it doesn't take much). But want to make sure I understand

correctly that the families that were receiving the monthly stipend in the

Family Assistance Program have been reinstated for everyone? I was hoping

that we received a letter today like mentioned in another email today, but

unfortunately have not received anything.

Thanks for everyone's help!

Kathy

_____