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As part of INARF’s continuing commitment to ensuring members are informed, we have compiled updates on key issues and activities in which the INARF Board of Directors, Governmental Affairs Committee, and Staff have been engaged in on your behalf. During the Legislative Session, INARF will update members on the top issues twice as often, releasing an Advocacy Update approximately every two weeks. Things move fast during the Session, and your INARF team will keep you informed every step of the way. Have a question or want to share your perspective on the issues below? Please contact Keith Digman for assistance. Have an issue or concern that is impacting your business that is not listed in this update? Please let us know by clicking here. Waiver Re-Write and Residential Daily Rate Implementation: Earlier this month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) submitted informal questions to the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) on the Family Supports Waiver renewal, the Community Integration & Habilitation Waiver amendment, and both waivers respective HCBS Settings Transition Plans. During a subsequent phone call with CMS, the state agency provided preliminary information on the submitted questions. It is anticipated that CMS will submit formal questions within the next few days. In light of this on-going dialogue, the Division announced earlier today CMS has granted a three-month extension, such that the effective date for changes related to both the FSW re-write and the CIHW amendment will be July 2015. The RHS Daily Implementation Work Group recently met with DDRS staff to continue discussions on implementation activities. Specifically, the group discussed an overview of CMS’ initial questions on the daily rate, considered the impact of delaying implementation to July, and outlined ways to support on-going communication with self-advocates, families, and providers throughout the implementation process. The group also continued to discuss ways to address loss of housemate, exceptions to the CHIO limitation, and short-term, extraordinary support needs. On March 9, the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services completed their initial push to update and verify living situations for all individuals on the CIH Waiver. As a result of these adjustments, providers can anticipate that over the next few weeks, individuals will receive notice if their Objective Based Allocation will be changed based on the living situation adjustment. This notice will include information on the impact to the individual’s budget and review / appeal options, if needed. In preparation, providers are encouraged to use the Advocare Provider Portal to verify / confirm the living situation for the individuals they serve is correctly noted in Advocare. When in the Provider Portal, providers will note three categories listed under living arrangements: Living Arrangement; Household Size; and Number Housemates. While it is important to have all three complete, it is most critical to ensure the Living Arrangement category is accurate. If any issues are noted, please contact the individual’s case manager to request an adjustment is completed. Facility and Community-Based Employment Services: The VR Rate Reform Work Group continues to meet in preparation for the launch of the “Hybrid Model” on July 1. On Thursday, March 19th, an Executive Briefing provided an overview of the changes. The presentation can be viewed here. As implementation planning progress, we anticipate additional Executive Briefings will be scheduled. Following the Executive Briefing, the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services announced dates and registration details for training sessions on the new model. This joint training opportunity is designed specifically for vocational rehabilitation counselors and staff, community employment providers, and other employment specialists. Sessions will be as follows: Date Location May 13 New Albany May 14 Evansville May 19 Bloomington May 21 Terra Haute May 26 Indianapolis May 28 Columbus June 2 Fort Wayne June 4 Indianapolis June 5 Kokomo June 10 Valparasio June 11 South Bend June 17 Gary June 18 Indianapolis June 23 Indianapolis