Stay Informed

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ODP Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

A Message to Direct Support Professionals from Secretary Teresa Miller: Pennsylvania Secretary of Human Services, Teresa Miller, would like to thank all direct support professionals for their dedication during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Watch the personal address here
 

COVID-19 Resources

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National News

The Count Continues!  Are you Counted?
The Census Bureau has identified people with disabilities as a hard-to-count population, which means they are at a greater risk of being under-counted in the census. The reasons for this include accessibility challenges and wider systemic inequalities. A fair and accurate census is vital for people with disabilities—and, indeed, for every person in the United States.  The Self Response phase of the 2020 census continues through October 31st.  For folks who have not already completed the census, follow up will begin on August 11st.  As of 5/4/2020, 59.1% Pennsylvanians have responded to the Census, as compared to 58.8% for all states combined.  More information here.

Report Shows Data Quality Issues in Restraint and Seclusion Data
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report showing major issues with the quality of data from school districts regarding restraint and seclusion. Interviews revealed that state and school district officials do not have a consistent understanding of reporting rules.  Read the report here.

US Education Secretary Declines to Recommend Waivers of Core IDEA Provisions
On April 27, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos submitted a report to Congress required by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act with recommendations on waivers for various education laws. Secretary DeVos did not recommend waivers of core provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. She did, however, recommend waiving technical provisions to allow extending Part B transition evaluation timelines and allowing children to continue receiving Part C services until Part B determinations are complete.  See the report to Congress.  See The Arc U.S. statement.

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Pennsylvania News

Office of Developmental Program Updates  

1. Commonwealth's Budget:  Pennsylvania must brace for a very tough budget year, having a reported $3-5 billion shortfall.  It is unknown whether the legislature will pass a budget in June or pass a short term budget then and a final budget in the fall.
2. More Dollars for Home and Community Based Services:  No decisions have been made about increased rates for Medicaid providers or additional financial relief to the Intellectual Disability System through retainers or enhanced rates.
3. Most recent COVID-19 Stats:  400 (out of the 55,000 people receiving Home and Community Based Services) have been diagnosed with COVID-19; sadly 62 people have died.  628 staff, including Support Coordinators have contracted the virus.  NOTE:  These numbers include people with disabilities currently living in large ICFs.  No COVID-19 virus reported among the residents at Pennsyvlania's four remaining state centers, as of yet.
4. Appendix K:  Additional amendments will soon be submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medcaid Services for approval.  Approval time has been relatively quick.

Voters Encouraged to Apply for a Mail-in Ballot
As Pennsylvania continues mitigation efforts to fight COVID-19, voters are encouraged apply for a mail-in ballot for the June 2, primary election.  Apply for a mail-in ballot here.  Visit website at votesPA.com to conveniently update your registration or apply for a mail-in ballot.  For more information on the new mail-in ballots and all things related to voting in Pennsylvania, call the Department of State’s toll-free hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772) or visit votesPA.com.  The deadline for mail-in voting registration is May 26th.

Medical Assistance Eligibility During COVID-19 Emergency Disaster Declaration
County Assistance Offices are instructed not to close or decrease Medical Assistance (MA) benefits during the disaster declaration. The Office of Medical Assistance Programs (OMAP) is aware of individuals whose MA eligibility was incorrectly closed. Members whose MA benefits have terminated on or after March 18, 2020 will have them reinstated.  Read more here.

Economic Impact Payments as part of CARES Act
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is in the process of distributing economic impact payments (or recovery rebates) as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  People receiving services from ODP:
• May continue to check the IRS website https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments for updates on the status of economic impact payments.
• Receive key information about economic impact payments posted at https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus



LEGISLATIVE UPDATES (From Katie Yost) 

HB 2408 – Introduced to address the impact of COVID-19. The legislation would exempt the Recovery Rebate Payments under the CARES Act from State and Local Taxes. The bill has passed unanimously in the House and gone to the Senate for a vote.

HB 1776 – introduced to address COVID-19 impact. This legislation would place a temporary prohibition on raising property taxes. It has passed out of House State Government Committee and has been laid on the table.