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March 13, 2020



Table of Contents:
  • IARF March Advocacy Day to be held Virtually
  • IARF to Host Member Calls on COVID-19 Weekly Starting Next Week
  • The Role of the DSP and the Coronavirus Webinar Recording
  • IARF Webinar: WC-101 Understanding the Basics of a Workers’ Compensation Claim
  • IARF Webinar: Passing a Fair Tax in Illinois – April 16
  • Registration Discounts Available for the 2020 TEC Conference
  • IAMHP Behavioral Health Billing Webinar for IARF Members Postponed
  • IHH Townhall Meetings Announced
  • Recovery & Empowerment Statewide Call March 26
  • Kennedy Forum Annual Meeting Set for October 6
  • Are You Interested in Serving as an Integrated Health Home?
  • Vote Yes For Fair Tax Social Media Channels
  • ICDD CALL FOR INVESTMENT:  Competitive Pay and Meaningful Days in Chicago
  • Supporting and Engaging Siblings of Individuals with Disabilities Webinar for Providers
  • Illinois Life Span Program Monthly Lunchtime Webinar - TAP: An Overview of Illinois Autism Services
  • Family and Community Services (FCS) Central Office 238 Update
  • Spring 2020 Legislative Update

IARF MARCH ADVOCACY DAY TO BE HELD VIRTUALLY
Due to the spread of the novel Coronavirus in the U.S, cities and states are restricting large gatherings of people. We have received noticed from the Secretary of State that all events to be held at the Illinois State Capitol have been cancelled for now. As a result, the in-person IARF Advocacy Day that was scheduled for March 25th in Springfield will now be held as a Virtual Advocacy Day. Although we aren't able to meet with legislators in-person at this time, we will be encouraging everyone to contact their legislators in other ways like phone calls and social media, for example. Staff will be sending out details to members on different ways to participate in a virtual advocacy day. Be on the lookout for more information next week! (Contact: All Staff)

IARF TO HOST MEMBER CALLS ON COVID-19 WEEKLY STARTING NEXT WEEK
Beginning next week, IARF will host calls twice a week (Tues. & Thurs.) for a member discussion on the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The calls will offer an opportunity for members to connect with staff and other member agencies across the state to share best practices and to help identify any questions providers may have. Staff will send out information next week to IARF members with details for the call. (Contact: All Staff)

 

THE ROLE OF THE DSP AND THE CORONAVIRUS WEBINAR RECORDING

Earlier this week the NADSP hosted a webinar on the role of the DSP and the Coronavirus. During the webinar, Rick Rader, MD medical advisor for the NADSP discussed the following:

  • What is the Coronavirus and what is the realistic level of its threat. How can we better understand the potential for its “spread.”
  • What can the DSP do to mitigate the risk of the virus.
  • How can the DSP minimize the confusion, fears and anxiety about the virus on behalf of the individuals they support. How to differentiate fact from mythology about the virus. How “misinformation” can be as bad as “no information.
  • What are the current recommendations regarding recognizing the symptoms, medical treatment, prevention protocols and outcomes.

If you were unable to attend the webinar, a recording is now available here. (Contact: Maggie Henley)

IARF WEBINAR: WC-101 UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS OF A WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIM
IARF presents the webinar series Workers’ Compensation Claims from Submission to Closure. In this 4-part Workers’ Compensation webinar series, we will engage in a comprehensive discussion of Workers’ Compensation claims. Employers will learn how to manage, communicate, and obtain information from their injured employee, the treating doctor, and the claims adjuster. The courses will follow a claim from the initial reporting through settlement to give the employer a better understanding of the interworking of the entire claims process.  Click here to learn more about the webinar series and to see all courses offered.
 
The first webinar in the series, WC-101: Understanding the Basics of a Workers’ Compensation Claim, will be held on Tuesday, March 31st at 10:00am. In course 101, we will briefly discuss the history of Workers’ Compensation to understand how the current system of benefits came into existence. Our journey into the claims process will start with a discussion on compensability and what that means for the employer. Lastly, we will head down the path of what to do when an employee reports an injury, how to facilitate medical treatment, and working with modified duty restrictions.
 
At the end of this webinar, attendees will:
Understand how we came to have our current system of Workers’ Compensation benefits.
Understand what is meant by the term compensable, in a Workers’ Compensation claim.
How to manage the initial reporting of a workplace injury.
 
Webinars in this series are FREE for IARF members to attend! To register for the first webinar, click here. (Contact: Maggie Henley)
 
IARF WEBINAR: PASSING A FAIR TAX FOR ILLINOIS – APRIL 16
Join us on April 16th for the IARF Webinar: Passing a Fair Tax in Illinois, where we’ll talk about the Fair Tax constitutional amendment and the path to passing it in November 2020. This webinar is for individuals wanting to learn more about the Fair Tax, what it will mean for Illinois and individuals, and what you can do to help engage on the issue and help to get the Fair Tax passed in Illinois.
 
Illinois’s current tax system is unfair and inadequate - it falls too heavily on the middle class and those struggling to get there, and it causes budget deficits that push up property taxes and force cuts to schools, public services and jobs. The Fair Tax constitutional amendment changes the state constitution to eliminate the requirement that Illinois tax income at a single rate, allowing instead for higher rates for higher incomes and lower rates for people with low and moderate incomes and will allow Illinois to generate needed revenue to support the programs and services that keep our communities strong. (Contact: Maggie Henley)

IARF Webinar: Passing a Fair Tax for Illinois
Date: Thursday, April 26, 2020
Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Audience: Any individual interested in learning more about the Fair Tax in Illinois
REGISTER HERE
 
REGISTRATION DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR THE 2020 TEC CONFERENCE
We've known that assistive technology should play an important part in the lives of people with disabilities for a long time.  Now, more than ever, technology "levels the playing field" for people with disabilities - it promotes independence, breaks down barriers, and fosters inclusion.   
 
The TEC Conference is no ordinary event.  We believe in providing practical recommendations and affordable solutions.  We also believe in connecting professionals with the tools, resources, and expertise they need to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people they support.  We've learned that the best way to accomplish these goals is by giving attendees a hands-on experience.  Register today to experience the difference!  
  
Early bird registration discounts are available through April 3rd.  Additional discounts are available for IARF members with a discount code available in the members only section of the IARF website.  Click here to learn more about the 4th Annual TEC Conference and register today! (Contact: Maggie Henley) 

IAMHP BEHAVIORAL HEALTH BILLING WEBINAR FOR IARF MEMBERS POSTPONED
Due to a conflict with the state’s COVID-19 webinar, we are rescheduling the IAMHP Billing Webinar that was originally scheduled for today at 11:00. Look for future details on the rescheduling.
 
The Association will host the IAMHP Mental Health Billing Webinar for IARF Members. The IAMHP Mental Health Billing Webinar is designed to provide guidance to contracted Medicaid managed care providers on billing for services to Medicaid beneficiaries. This webinar only applies to Health Choice Illinois Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) and for services provided to Medicaid beneficiaries in Medicaid-only programs (e.g. FHP, ACA, ICP and LTSS populations). It does NOT apply to dually- eligible beneficiaries in the Medicare Medicaid Alignment Initiative (MMAI) program.
 
In this webinar attendees will learn about:
Minimum Claim Requirements
Electronic Claim Submission vs. Paper Claim Submission
Timely Filing Requirements by MCO
Prior Authorization
Mental Health Billing Specifics
(Contact Dan Frey)

IHH TOWNHALL MEETINGS ANNOUNCED
HFS has released the following provider notice announcing four Integrated Health Home (IHH) townhall meetings throughout the state over the next four months.  The notice is as follows:
 
Please join us for one of the upcoming Town Hall style discussions on our upcoming Integrated Health Home (IHH) models (one for children and one for adults) to significantly enhance care coordination for Medicaid members across their physical, behavioral and social care needs.
 
Four events have been scheduled where interested parties may participate in person.  Dates, times and details for the in-person sessions are as follows:

March 18, 2020                                        
1:00 PM-3:00 PM                                                
Marion Regional Office Building
2309 W. Main Street                                     
Marion, IL. 62959
 
April 14, 2020
1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Peoria State Regional Office Building
5415 N University Street
Peoria, IL 61614
 
May 13, 2020                                                                                  
1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Rockford E.J. “Zeke” Giorgi Center
200 S Wyman
Rockford, IL 61101
 
June 2, 2020
1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Champaign Public Library
200 W Green St
Champaign, IL 61820
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me directly and IARF will do our best to help in any way we can.  It is currently unclear if these townhalls will proceed as planned, or if COVID-19 precautions will alter the meetings.  We will continue to keep you updated as any additional information becomes available. (Contact Dan Frey)
 
RECOVERY & EMPOWERMENT STATEWIDE CALL MARCH 26
Please plan to join on March 26, 2020 for our next Recovery & Empowerment Statewide Call for 2020!  Our theme this year is "2020 Vision for Ourselves!” These educational forums place an emphasis on sharing successful tools and strategies for wellness. This month's focus is "Recognizing Our Voices Matter!”
 
Individuals are welcome to dial in from a personal phone or from home.  However, if dialing in from an agency or other organization, to help reduce the cost, please gather and dial-in together.  Remember to provide the moderator with your name, the agency you are representing (if applicable), and the number of persons listening in from your location.
 
ABOUT THIS MONTH'S CALL:
DATE: March 26, 2020
TIME: 10:00am - 11:00am
TOPIC: Recognizing Our Voices Matter
OBJECTIVES: Participants will learn: The definition of systems-advocacy and self- advocacy; how to educate ourselves on what we need and effectively communicate our needs; and ways to advocate for others as a group.
 
DIAL-IN NUMBER:  1-844-867-6167 [Note: New number and access code required for 2020]
ACCESS CODE: 4360050
MEETING TITLE: Recovery & Empowerment Statewide Call
SPEAKERS: Kathryn Dittemore, Tanya Cooley, and AJ French
(Contact Dan Frey)
 
KENNEDY FORUM ANNUAL MEETING SET FOR OCTOBER 6
This year, the Sixth Annual Kennedy Forum Meeting on October 6th, 2020 will unite leaders in communications, media, advocacy, and activism to explore best practices and define a clear path forward. Save the date and stay tuned.  (Contact Dan Frey)
 
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SERVING AS AN INTEGRATED HEALTH HOME?
As the targeted launch on July 1 of the Integrated Health Home (IHH) approaches, there are ways to begin the process ahead of more specific information or criteria becoming available.  If you are interested in serving as an IHH, please let the Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans (IAMHP) know and they will send that information on to the Medicaid health plans.
 
Complete the IHH Submission Form and IAMHP will send at least a weekly report to the plans with your information. (Contact Dan Frey)
 
VOTE YES FOR FAIR TAX SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
As you probably know, IARF is part of the movement to bring tax fairness to Illinois with the Fair Tax, which is on the ballot in November. As part of the Fair Tax fight, we are part of the Vote Yes for Fair Tax campaign, which has just launched its website and social channels. We need your help in growing these important assets, so I am asking you to do three quick things:

Once you’re all signed up, please feel free to share the Fair Tax content from these channels. Together we can make sure Illinoisans understand the importance of the Fair Tax and pass this critical change in November! (Contact Dan Frey)
 
ICDD CALL FOR INVESTMENT: COMPETITIVE PAY AND MEANINGFUL DAYS IN CHICAGO
ICDD has announced a Call for Investment: Competitive Pay and Meaningful Days in Chicago.  This Call for Investment is specifically targeted to providers in the city of Chicago which currently have employees paid subminimum wages under 14(C). The Council has a total of up to $175,000 for a minimum of 2 investments and the project period will be 2 years.  Interested applicants should RSVP for the March 19th informational meeting to Mariel Hamer at Mariel.Hamer@illinois.gov
 
ICDD is looking for innovative and collaborative proposals that include strong data collection as a component of the project.  Questions related to this Call for Investment or any IARF agencies interested in possible collaboration with another IARF agency should contact Beth Owens, bowens@iarf.org.  (Contact: Beth Owens)
 
SUPPORTING AND ENGAGING SIBLINGS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES WEBINAR FOR PROVIDERS
Supporting and Engaging Siblings of Individuals with Disabilities Webinar for Providers will be held on March 18, 2020 at 1 pm.  The target audience for this webinar is Service Providers working with people with developmental disabilities and their families. Participants will learn about the important role of siblings and how to collaborate with siblings. Brothers and sisters often have the longest relationships of their lives with each other but their experiences, input, and needs are often overlooked. There are many benefits to partnering with siblings including increased family engagement, better outcomes for the person with disabilities, and sibling needs being met. Further information and registration for the webinar can be found HERE. (Contact: Beth Owens)
 
ILLINOIS LIFE SPAN PROGRAM MONTHLY LUNCHTIME WEBINAR – TAP: AN OVERVIEW OF ILLINOIS AUTISM SERVICES
The TAP: An Overview of Illinois Autism Services Webinar will be held Tuesday April 14, 2020 at 12:00 PM. The Webinar will be presented by Shannon Dyson, Quality Coordinator and Mary Kelly, Statewide Coordinator for TAP. Attendees will learn about The Autism Program of Illinois, (TAP) and about the various autism services offered by the 15 TAP service centers throughout the state of Illinois.  Attendees will also learn about autism research being conducted by TAP university partners.  Participants will get a sneak peek into our newly redesigned website and we’ll introduce you to our new service referral portal coming soon!  Registration for the event can be found HERE. (Contact: Beth Owens)
 
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES (FCS) CENTRAL OFFICE 238 UPDATE
On December 1, 2019 the Family and Community Services (FCS) Central Office 238 re-assumed responsibility for Medicaid eligibility redeterminations for waiver participants, including those receiving services through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) waivers. Please be advised, that the Division has been provided with new contact information for Office 238. The DHS.DD.MediRede@Illinois.gov e-mail address is still active and should be providers first contact with Office 238. However, if you do not receive a response back within 72 hours please contact Mikie Salmon at Mikie.Salmon@Illinois.gov or (217) 557-9253.  Dianne Barbey and Lori Littleton are no longer contacts for Office 238.  Please feel free to reach out to Derek Hedges at Derek.Hedges@illinois.gov at the DDD, if your problems are not addressed going through the above channels.  (Contact: Beth Owens)


SPRING 2020 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
IARF has been extremely busy at the Capitol pushing our legislative agenda. The IARF advocacy team has met with several key legislators in both the House and the Senate to promote policies that help IARF members. In addition, we have been hard at work gathering co-sponsors for our bills and working with other associations to promote the best policies to help persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This week, there is no legislative session, and next week’s session has been cancelled in both houses of the legislature due to precautions surrounding COVID-19. Both House and Senate Committee deadlines the following week, on March 27. (Contact: All Staff)
 









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Josh Evans - President & CEO  - jevans@iarf.org
Beth Owens - Vice President for Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Policy - bowens@iarf.org
Daniel M.O. Frey - Vice President for Behavioral Health Policy - dfrey@iarf.org  
Luis Andrade - Vice President of Health & Long-Term Care Policy - landrade@iarf.org
Maggie Henley - Director of Member Services - mhenley@iarf.org
(217) 801-9303













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