More on Budget, from Lilia Teninty

[Guest guest]

Hi all:

I received this from Allan Bergman a couple of days ago...

I was hoping this list would be incorporated in a memo from the Arc of Illinois

so that I could publish it in a more official capacity, but that has not

happened.

There is, understandably, so much concern and confusion surrounding what is and

what is not being cut, that I am hoping this will serve to clear things up a

bit.

Thank you, Allan for providing this to us.

Ellen

FY10 Budget Decisions Update from Director Lilia Teninty

August 6, 2009

We understand that the uncertainty surrounding this year's budget process has

created challenges and has been very stressful for people with developmental

disabilities, their families, staff and provider agencies. We are grateful that

the General Assembly and the Administration identified persons with

developmental disabilities as a priority in determining the final budget for

this difficult financial year. After considerable effort and deliberation, we

are able to share the following decisions that have been made in regard to

funding for community-based services and programs:

1. From what we know today regarding the State's budget, we do not expect to

implement any rate changes to Medicaid programs in FY2010. Nor will we need to

end the Home Based Support Services programs, as discussed under the vetoed " 50%

budget " . Service agreements remain in place for FY2010 for these programs.

2. We will continue funding Child Care Institutions. Letters to providers and

families will be sent out tomorrow, August 7th, informing them that funding will

continue without interruption for the full fiscal year.

3. Funding for the Family Assistance Program will continue. Vouchers for the

August checks for the July period are now being processed on schedule. Over the

next several months, families will be contacted and offered the opportunity to

convert to the Children's Home-Based Waiver program, which offers a higher

monthly service amount and the appeal protections of a Medicaid program.

Letters to these families will be sent out tomorrow, August 7th.

4. For the remaining 100% GRF funded programs, the Division will release six

months of funding for these programs at the FY2010 introduced level through

December 31, 2009. Between now and the end of this calendar year, the Division

will work with stakeholders to plan and implement a voluntary conversion process

for all non-Medicaid programs. Details on this process will be forthcoming as

agreements and decisions made for the 2005 conversions will need to be

revisited. The amount of funding available for these programs past December

will depend on efforts to manage reductions in funding in this year's budget, as

well as the ability to secure additional federal Medicaid funds through

conversions. Formal notification to these providers will be sent out before

August 12th.

5. PUNS intake and maintenance may now continue since funding for this activity

is being restored as discussed in Item #4.

Thank you for your patience and for your continued support of people with

developmental disabilities and their families.

[Guest guest]

Hi all:

I received this from Allan Bergman a couple of days ago...

I was hoping this list would be incorporated in a memo from the Arc of Illinois

so that I could publish it in a more official capacity, but that has not

happened.

There is, understandably, so much concern and confusion surrounding what is and

what is not being cut, that I am hoping this will serve to clear things up a

bit.

Thank you, Allan for providing this to us.

Ellen

FY10 Budget Decisions Update from Director Lilia Teninty

August 6, 2009

We understand that the uncertainty surrounding this year's budget process has

created challenges and has been very stressful for people with developmental

disabilities, their families, staff and provider agencies. We are grateful that

the General Assembly and the Administration identified persons with

developmental disabilities as a priority in determining the final budget for

this difficult financial year. After considerable effort and deliberation, we

are able to share the following decisions that have been made in regard to

funding for community-based services and programs:

1. From what we know today regarding the State's budget, we do not expect to

implement any rate changes to Medicaid programs in FY2010. Nor will we need to

end the Home Based Support Services programs, as discussed under the vetoed " 50%

budget " . Service agreements remain in place for FY2010 for these programs.

2. We will continue funding Child Care Institutions. Letters to providers and

families will be sent out tomorrow, August 7th, informing them that funding will

continue without interruption for the full fiscal year.

3. Funding for the Family Assistance Program will continue. Vouchers for the

August checks for the July period are now being processed on schedule. Over the

next several months, families will be contacted and offered the opportunity to

convert to the Children's Home-Based Waiver program, which offers a higher

monthly service amount and the appeal protections of a Medicaid program.

Letters to these families will be sent out tomorrow, August 7th.

4. For the remaining 100% GRF funded programs, the Division will release six

months of funding for these programs at the FY2010 introduced level through

December 31, 2009. Between now and the end of this calendar year, the Division

will work with stakeholders to plan and implement a voluntary conversion process

for all non-Medicaid programs. Details on this process will be forthcoming as

agreements and decisions made for the 2005 conversions will need to be

revisited. The amount of funding available for these programs past December

will depend on efforts to manage reductions in funding in this year's budget, as

well as the ability to secure additional federal Medicaid funds through

conversions. Formal notification to these providers will be sent out before

August 12th.

5. PUNS intake and maintenance may now continue since funding for this activity

is being restored as discussed in Item #4.

Thank you for your patience and for your continued support of people with

developmental disabilities and their families.