Update: I/DD Long Term Care Services into KanCare

December 4, 2013

Greetings Friends!

With the December chill breathing down our collar, the addition of I/DD long-term care services into KanCare is but an icy gasp away. Incredibly, the State still doesn’t have official approval for this inclusion.  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are in the process of gathering public comment regarding this requested change. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity (or created the opportunity) to go in and jot down your thoughts…please do so. 

The website where you can post your comments is: http://cmsideas.uservoice.com/forums/231377-section-1115-demonstration-kansas-kancare. The comment period ends on December 18^th.

I sent a list of concerns/comments to several of our Johnson County legislators a few days ago, so thought I’d share that list with you. These are just food for thought if you need some assistance as to what you might share.

1.      Billing must be tested prior to implementation to ensure small providers will be able to financially remain viable. If payments are delayed, smaller agencies will go out of business and capacity to absorb their clients may be difficult.

2.      Rates paid to providers must not be cut.  Rates haven’t been increased in years, and are not sufficient as is.  Cuts will be devastating.

3.      Delay this inclusion until the processes are in place and all the bugs are worked out. 

4.      Hours to clients being served must not be reduced through manipulation of eligibility or service need criteria. We understand that by providing fewer hours, MCO’s can save money, but we urge that any cut be approved by a State agency before implementation. Saving money is not the priority, serving the client is priority.

5.      We urge that the Legislative Oversight Committee develop a tool for MCO accountability. Including, where the dollars are spent, changes in how the dollars are spent, consider trends in spending, and the outcome for the client.

6.      Clients are able to keep their case managers and case managers are able to continue their current employment status.  This is of upmost importance to the client and their family.

7.      CDDO’s continue to perform the duties assigned to them by the Developmental Disabilities Reform Act (DDRA.)

I know we have asked much of you during this KanCare tribulation, but I’m reminded of a quote by author Amy Tan:

“Fate is shaped half by expectation, half by inattention.”

Your expectation and attention to this issue has dazzled me! Fate may not have dealt its final gloved hand!

Warm and fuzzy regards,

Lurena Mead

Community Relations Manager

Johnson County Developmental Supports

10501 Lackman Rd. Lenexa, Kansas 66219

Direct (913) 826-2212  Office (913) 826-2626

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