was Informative and FREE: Second Monday Series on State Public Policy (Next one, March 8)

[Guest guest]

Bonnie - Please let us know if we can provide any of our stories of how managed

might harm our sons and daughters.

- Can you tell us more about the hearing? What particular issues about

managed care did they seem most interested in? Do you know when it's being

scheduled for the 2nd reading? You mention that " If this passes out of the

house, and Senate, we have a good chance of slowing down phase 3 and 4 until we

have some input, and can make sure there are controls and evaluations in place. "

Does this mean it's to late to stop phase 1 from starting?

Pam

Re: Informative and FREE: Second Monday Series on State Public Policy

(Next one, March 8)

I just got back from Springfield, went to 2 committee meetings. The first one

was a WASTE of time - House Appropriations - Human Services Committee. There was

a presentation by " The Donor's Forum. " The state is suggesting that all not for

profits do more fund raising/grant applications to the private sector to make up

the difference of what the state pays.

It was very difficult to listen to (CEO of The Donor's Forum) talk about

how there are so many charitable funds we could seek help from. When asked how

much decrease there has been in their ability to fund charities, she said it was

down 10% in 2009, and will be down more in 2010 and even more in 2011. So how

are we to get more money from funds that are already committed to other things,

and now have 10 - 17% less to work with? Didn't make any sense to me!

She also admitted that foundations won't step into a project they can't see thru

for at least 1 year. They aren't going to pay expenses for 1 month, and then

have a program go belly up cause the state is behind in payments. She said we

should follow the Mass, and Arizona model for timely and prompt payment with in

30 days. That would be GREAT!! How do we get the state of IL to pay with in 30

days?

HOWEVER, the second committee meeting was definitely worth the drive down!!!!

Medicaid Reform, Family and Children Services Committee to give comment on

HB5086. It was voted in favor by all attending committee members!!!

We gave our testimony, and they were in awe that even the managed care companies

are admitting that they are not versed in dealing with the population of those

with disabilities under an insurance plan. If this passes out of the house, and

Senate, we have a good chance of slowing down phase 3 and 4 until we have some

input, and can make sure there are controls and evaluations in place.

Now is the time to e-mail every representative. It should be brought up on the

floor soon. We need them all to see that they need to support HB 5086!

[Guest guest]

Bonnie - Please let us know if we can provide any of our stories of how managed

might harm our sons and daughters.

- Can you tell us more about the hearing? What particular issues about

managed care did they seem most interested in? Do you know when it's being

scheduled for the 2nd reading? You mention that " If this passes out of the

house, and Senate, we have a good chance of slowing down phase 3 and 4 until we

have some input, and can make sure there are controls and evaluations in place. "

Does this mean it's to late to stop phase 1 from starting?

Pam

Re: Informative and FREE: Second Monday Series on State Public Policy

(Next one, March 8)

I just got back from Springfield, went to 2 committee meetings. The first one

was a WASTE of time - House Appropriations - Human Services Committee. There was

a presentation by " The Donor's Forum. " The state is suggesting that all not for

profits do more fund raising/grant applications to the private sector to make up

the difference of what the state pays.

It was very difficult to listen to (CEO of The Donor's Forum) talk about

how there are so many charitable funds we could seek help from. When asked how

much decrease there has been in their ability to fund charities, she said it was

down 10% in 2009, and will be down more in 2010 and even more in 2011. So how

are we to get more money from funds that are already committed to other things,

and now have 10 - 17% less to work with? Didn't make any sense to me!

She also admitted that foundations won't step into a project they can't see thru

for at least 1 year. They aren't going to pay expenses for 1 month, and then

have a program go belly up cause the state is behind in payments. She said we

should follow the Mass, and Arizona model for timely and prompt payment with in

30 days. That would be GREAT!! How do we get the state of IL to pay with in 30

days?

HOWEVER, the second committee meeting was definitely worth the drive down!!!!

Medicaid Reform, Family and Children Services Committee to give comment on

HB5086. It was voted in favor by all attending committee members!!!

We gave our testimony, and they were in awe that even the managed care companies

are admitting that they are not versed in dealing with the population of those

with disabilities under an insurance plan. If this passes out of the house, and

Senate, we have a good chance of slowing down phase 3 and 4 until we have some

input, and can make sure there are controls and evaluations in place.

Now is the time to e-mail every representative. It should be brought up on the

floor soon. We need them all to see that they need to support HB 5086!

[Guest guest]

Pam,

Yes, I think personal stories are effective. My son receives HCBS, is doing

pretty well in an apartment with support. So my emphasis would be on how well

the waiver works for community supports.

Did you happen to see today's Trib editorial on solving the budget crisis with a

" no-tax option. " The editorial talked of Medicaid savings from: cutting fraud,

mged care and outpatient care, shifting long-term care patients from

institutional t community settings, pooling state prescription purchases.

Interesting point: the Trib's estimate of the savings $140 million for all

those things (figures apparently taken from the Civic Federation report) while

the stated goal of the 5-year pilot is savings of $200 million. Makes me wonder

if the projected $200 million figure is inflated.

Bonnie

________________________________

From: " pam_harris@... " <pam_harris@...>

IPADDUnite

Sent: Sat, February 27, 2010 5:14:18 PM

Subject: was Informative and FREE: Second Monday Series on State

Public Policy (Next one, March 8)

Bonnie - Please let us know if we can provide any of our stories of how managed

might harm our sons and daughters.

- Can you tell us more about the hearing? What particular issues about

managed care did they seem most interested in? Do you know when it's being

scheduled for the 2nd reading? You mention that " If this passes out of the

house, and Senate, we have a good chance of slowing down phase 3 and 4 until we

have some input, and can make sure there are controls and evaluations in place. "

Does this mean it's to late to stop phase 1 from starting?

Pam

Re: Informative and FREE: Second Monday Series on State Public Policy

(Next one, March 8)

I just got back from Springfield, went to 2 committee meetings. The first one

was a WASTE of time - House Appropriations - Human Services Committee. There was

a presentation by " The Donor's Forum. " The state is suggesting that all not for

profits do more fund raising/grant applications to the private sector to make up

the difference of what the state pays.

It was very difficult to listen to (CEO of The Donor's Forum) talk about

how there are so many charitable funds we could seek help from. When asked how

much decrease there has been in their ability to fund charities, she said it was

down 10% in 2009, and will be down more in 2010 and even more in 2011. So how

are we to get more money from funds that are already committed to other things,

and now have 10 - 17% less to work with? Didn't make any sense to me!

She also admitted that foundations won't step into a project they can't see thru

for at least 1 year. They aren't going to pay expenses for 1 month, and then

have a program go belly up cause the state is behind in payments. She said we

should follow the Mass, and Arizona model for timely and prompt payment with in

30 days. That would be GREAT!! How do we get the state of IL to pay with in 30

days?

HOWEVER, the second committee meeting was definitely worth the drive down!!!!

Medicaid Reform, Family and Children Services Committee to give comment on

HB5086. It was voted in favor by all attending committee members!!!

We gave our testimony, and they were in awe that even the managed care companies

are admitting that they are not versed in dealing with the population of those

with disabilities under an insurance plan. If this passes out of the house, and

Senate, we have a good chance of slowing down phase 3 and 4 until we have some

input, and can make sure there are controls and evaluations in place.

Now is the time to e-mail every representative. It should be brought up on the

floor soon. We need them all to see that they need to support HB 5086!

[Guest guest]

Pam,

Yes, I think personal stories are effective. My son receives HCBS, is doing

pretty well in an apartment with support. So my emphasis would be on how well

the waiver works for community supports.

Did you happen to see today's Trib editorial on solving the budget crisis with a

" no-tax option. " The editorial talked of Medicaid savings from: cutting fraud,

mged care and outpatient care, shifting long-term care patients from

institutional t community settings, pooling state prescription purchases.

Interesting point: the Trib's estimate of the savings $140 million for all

those things (figures apparently taken from the Civic Federation report) while

the stated goal of the 5-year pilot is savings of $200 million. Makes me wonder

if the projected $200 million figure is inflated.

Bonnie

________________________________

From: " pam_harris@... " <pam_harris@...>

IPADDUnite

Sent: Sat, February 27, 2010 5:14:18 PM

Subject: was Informative and FREE: Second Monday Series on State

Public Policy (Next one, March 8)

Bonnie - Please let us know if we can provide any of our stories of how managed

might harm our sons and daughters.

- Can you tell us more about the hearing? What particular issues about

managed care did they seem most interested in? Do you know when it's being

scheduled for the 2nd reading? You mention that " If this passes out of the

house, and Senate, we have a good chance of slowing down phase 3 and 4 until we

have some input, and can make sure there are controls and evaluations in place. "

Does this mean it's to late to stop phase 1 from starting?

Pam

Re: Informative and FREE: Second Monday Series on State Public Policy

(Next one, March 8)

I just got back from Springfield, went to 2 committee meetings. The first one

was a WASTE of time - House Appropriations - Human Services Committee. There was

a presentation by " The Donor's Forum. " The state is suggesting that all not for

profits do more fund raising/grant applications to the private sector to make up

the difference of what the state pays.

It was very difficult to listen to (CEO of The Donor's Forum) talk about

how there are so many charitable funds we could seek help from. When asked how

much decrease there has been in their ability to fund charities, she said it was

down 10% in 2009, and will be down more in 2010 and even more in 2011. So how

are we to get more money from funds that are already committed to other things,

and now have 10 - 17% less to work with? Didn't make any sense to me!

She also admitted that foundations won't step into a project they can't see thru

for at least 1 year. They aren't going to pay expenses for 1 month, and then

have a program go belly up cause the state is behind in payments. She said we

should follow the Mass, and Arizona model for timely and prompt payment with in

30 days. That would be GREAT!! How do we get the state of IL to pay with in 30

days?

HOWEVER, the second committee meeting was definitely worth the drive down!!!!

Medicaid Reform, Family and Children Services Committee to give comment on

HB5086. It was voted in favor by all attending committee members!!!

We gave our testimony, and they were in awe that even the managed care companies

are admitting that they are not versed in dealing with the population of those

with disabilities under an insurance plan. If this passes out of the house, and

Senate, we have a good chance of slowing down phase 3 and 4 until we have some

input, and can make sure there are controls and evaluations in place.

Now is the time to e-mail every representative. It should be brought up on the

floor soon. We need them all to see that they need to support HB 5086!

[Guest guest]

your son along in his apratment...and does the HCBS cover his support needs.

How is the apartment financed? Pretty bold questions, but I had always

toyed with the idea if two friends, both had the waiver and if the two

families could finance the apartment/house/condo, the combined HCBS could

workm, so long as teh families could also provide in and out support. Cindi

[Guest guest]

your son along in his apratment...and does the HCBS cover his support needs.

How is the apartment financed? Pretty bold questions, but I had always

toyed with the idea if two friends, both had the waiver and if the two

families could finance the apartment/house/condo, the combined HCBS could

workm, so long as teh families could also provide in and out support. Cindi

[Guest guest]

________________________________

From: Bonnie Dohogne <bdohogne@...>

IPADDUnite

Sent: Sun, February 28, 2010 4:36:56 PM

Subject: Re: was Informative and FREE: Second Monday Series on

State Public Policy (Next one, March 8)

 

Pam,

Yes, I think personal stories are effective. My son receives HCBS, is doing

pretty well in an apartment with support. So my emphasis would be on how well

the waiver works for community supports.

Did you happen to see today's Trib editorial on solving the budget crisis with a

" no-tax option. " The editorial talked of Medicaid savings from: cutting fraud,

mged care and outpatient care, shifting long-term care patients from

institutional t community settings, pooling state prescription purchases.

Interesting point: the Trib's estimate of the savings $140 million for all those

things (figures apparently taken from the Civic Federation report) while the

stated goal of the 5-year pilot is savings of $200 million. Makes me wonder if

the projected $200 million figure is inflated.

Bonnie

____________ _________ _________ __

From: " pam_harriscomcast (DOT) net " <pam_harriscomcast (DOT) net>

IPADDUnite@gro ups.com

Sent: Sat, February 27, 2010 5:14:18 PM

Subject: was Informative and FREE: Second Monday Series on State

Public Policy (Next one, March 8)

Bonnie - Please let us know if we can provide any of our stories of how managed

might harm our sons and daughters.

- Can you tell us more about the hearing? What particular issues about

managed care did they seem most interested in? Do you know when it's being

scheduled for the 2nd reading? You mention that " If this passes out of the

house, and Senate, we have a good chance of slowing down phase 3 and 4 until we

have some input, and can make sure there are controls and evaluations in place. "

Does this mean it's to late to stop phase 1 from starting?

Pam

Re: Informative and FREE: Second Monday Series on State Public Policy

(Next one, March 8)

I just got back from Springfield, went to 2 committee meetings. The first one

was a WASTE of time - House Appropriations - Human Services Committee. There was

a presentation by " The Donor's Forum. " The state is suggesting that all not for

profits do more fund raising/grant applications to the private sector to make up

the difference of what the state pays.

It was very difficult to listen to (CEO of The Donor's Forum) talk about

how there are so many charitable funds we could seek help from. When asked how

much decrease there has been in their ability to fund charities, she said it was

down 10% in 2009, and will be down more in 2010 and even more in 2011. So how

are we to get more money from funds that are already committed to other things,

and now have 10 - 17% less to work with? Didn't make any sense to me!

She also admitted that foundations won't step into a project they can't see thru

for at least 1 year. They aren't going to pay expenses for 1 month, and then

have a program go belly up cause the state is behind in payments. She said we

should follow the Mass, and Arizona model for timely and prompt payment with in

30 days. That would be GREAT!! How do we get the state of IL to pay with in 30

days?

HOWEVER, the second committee meeting was definitely worth the drive down!!!!

Medicaid Reform, Family and Children Services Committee to give comment on

HB5086. It was voted in favor by all attending committee members!!!

We gave our testimony, and they were in awe that even the managed care companies

are admitting that they are not versed in dealing with the population of those

with disabilities under an insurance plan. If this passes out of the house, and

Senate, we have a good chance of slowing down phase 3 and 4 until we have some

input, and can make sure there are controls and evaluations in place.

Now is the time to e-mail every representative. It should be brought up on the

floor soon. We need them all to see that they need to support HB 5086!

[Guest guest]

________________________________

From: Bonnie Dohogne <bdohogne@...>

IPADDUnite

Sent: Sun, February 28, 2010 4:36:56 PM

Subject: Re: was Informative and FREE: Second Monday Series on

State Public Policy (Next one, March 8)

 

Pam,

Yes, I think personal stories are effective. My son receives HCBS, is doing

pretty well in an apartment with support. So my emphasis would be on how well

the waiver works for community supports.

Did you happen to see today's Trib editorial on solving the budget crisis with a

" no-tax option. " The editorial talked of Medicaid savings from: cutting fraud,

mged care and outpatient care, shifting long-term care patients from

institutional t community settings, pooling state prescription purchases.

Interesting point: the Trib's estimate of the savings $140 million for all those

things (figures apparently taken from the Civic Federation report) while the

stated goal of the 5-year pilot is savings of $200 million. Makes me wonder if

the projected $200 million figure is inflated.

Bonnie

____________ _________ _________ __

From: " pam_harriscomcast (DOT) net " <pam_harriscomcast (DOT) net>

IPADDUnite@gro ups.com

Sent: Sat, February 27, 2010 5:14:18 PM

Subject: was Informative and FREE: Second Monday Series on State

Public Policy (Next one, March 8)

Bonnie - Please let us know if we can provide any of our stories of how managed

might harm our sons and daughters.

- Can you tell us more about the hearing? What particular issues about

managed care did they seem most interested in? Do you know when it's being

scheduled for the 2nd reading? You mention that " If this passes out of the

house, and Senate, we have a good chance of slowing down phase 3 and 4 until we

have some input, and can make sure there are controls and evaluations in place. "

Does this mean it's to late to stop phase 1 from starting?

Pam

Re: Informative and FREE: Second Monday Series on State Public Policy

(Next one, March 8)

I just got back from Springfield, went to 2 committee meetings. The first one

was a WASTE of time - House Appropriations - Human Services Committee. There was

a presentation by " The Donor's Forum. " The state is suggesting that all not for

profits do more fund raising/grant applications to the private sector to make up

the difference of what the state pays.

It was very difficult to listen to (CEO of The Donor's Forum) talk about

how there are so many charitable funds we could seek help from. When asked how

much decrease there has been in their ability to fund charities, she said it was

down 10% in 2009, and will be down more in 2010 and even more in 2011. So how

are we to get more money from funds that are already committed to other things,

and now have 10 - 17% less to work with? Didn't make any sense to me!

She also admitted that foundations won't step into a project they can't see thru

for at least 1 year. They aren't going to pay expenses for 1 month, and then

have a program go belly up cause the state is behind in payments. She said we

should follow the Mass, and Arizona model for timely and prompt payment with in

30 days. That would be GREAT!! How do we get the state of IL to pay with in 30

days?

HOWEVER, the second committee meeting was definitely worth the drive down!!!!

Medicaid Reform, Family and Children Services Committee to give comment on

HB5086. It was voted in favor by all attending committee members!!!

We gave our testimony, and they were in awe that even the managed care companies

are admitting that they are not versed in dealing with the population of those

with disabilities under an insurance plan. If this passes out of the house, and

Senate, we have a good chance of slowing down phase 3 and 4 until we have some

input, and can make sure there are controls and evaluations in place.

Now is the time to e-mail every representative. It should be brought up on the

floor soon. We need them all to see that they need to support HB 5086!

[Guest guest]

Hi Cindi,

Fine to ask about finances. My son has one roommate now; he's had two in the

past. He's in an ton apartment supported by the non-profit organization,

Center for Independent Futures (It receives no public funding, and Jonathon's

apt. building is not a 'group home.'). No, the HCBS does not cover all his

expenses. We pay a higher rate to CIF for the skills tutors than the rate

through a state-funded agency. We also pay $200 (I think) monthly for the

'community builders' who live on the 3rd floor and provide the

overnight/emergency presence. They also organize some social event. Jonathon

also receives SSI and just started getting $90/month in food stamp (LINK card

through IDHS) benefits. The LINK benefits are only possible if someone is not

living with parents -- as I understand it; my husband handled that application.

The skills tutors are so good, very responsive, ready to work with my husband

and me on Jonathon's needs. So we're glad to pay them from the HCBS. Jonathon

is our only child, so that affects our family finances positively. We pay about

$9,000/year out of pocket for him above and beyond the public funding. Some of

that if for 'extras' -- Cubs games, restaurants, etc.

From what I know about families around the state, sometimes just finding support

people (when one has HCBS) is an issue. For too many, of course, getting the

funding is the issue.

Hope this helps. You could get a better picture of the supports and costs from

Center for Independent Futures --847.328.2044. Probably ask for Kim Mercer.

Bonnie Dohogne

________________________________

From: Cindi Swanson <cbswanson@...>

IPADDUnite

Sent: Sun, February 28, 2010 4:50:22 PM

Subject: Re: was Informative and FREE: Second Monday Series on

State Public Policy (Next one, March 8)

your son along in his apratment... and does the HCBS cover his support needs.

How is the apartment financed? Pretty bold questions, but I had always

toyed with the idea if two friends, both had the waiver and if the two

families could finance the apartment/house/ condo, the combined HCBS could

workm, so long as teh families could also provide in and out support. Cindi

[Guest guest]

Hi Cindi,

Fine to ask about finances. My son has one roommate now; he's had two in the

past. He's in an ton apartment supported by the non-profit organization,

Center for Independent Futures (It receives no public funding, and Jonathon's

apt. building is not a 'group home.'). No, the HCBS does not cover all his

expenses. We pay a higher rate to CIF for the skills tutors than the rate

through a state-funded agency. We also pay $200 (I think) monthly for the

'community builders' who live on the 3rd floor and provide the

overnight/emergency presence. They also organize some social event. Jonathon

also receives SSI and just started getting $90/month in food stamp (LINK card

through IDHS) benefits. The LINK benefits are only possible if someone is not

living with parents -- as I understand it; my husband handled that application.

The skills tutors are so good, very responsive, ready to work with my husband

and me on Jonathon's needs. So we're glad to pay them from the HCBS. Jonathon

is our only child, so that affects our family finances positively. We pay about

$9,000/year out of pocket for him above and beyond the public funding. Some of

that if for 'extras' -- Cubs games, restaurants, etc.

From what I know about families around the state, sometimes just finding support

people (when one has HCBS) is an issue. For too many, of course, getting the

funding is the issue.

Hope this helps. You could get a better picture of the supports and costs from

Center for Independent Futures --847.328.2044. Probably ask for Kim Mercer.

Bonnie Dohogne

________________________________

From: Cindi Swanson <cbswanson@...>

IPADDUnite

Sent: Sun, February 28, 2010 4:50:22 PM

Subject: Re: was Informative and FREE: Second Monday Series on

State Public Policy (Next one, March 8)

your son along in his apratment... and does the HCBS cover his support needs.

How is the apartment financed? Pretty bold questions, but I had always

toyed with the idea if two friends, both had the waiver and if the two

families could finance the apartment/house/ condo, the combined HCBS could

workm, so long as teh families could also provide in and out support. Cindi