“Now, more than ever, we need each other. We need each other for truth, for support, and to feel less alone during a time that can honestly feel quite scary. There are so many around the world who need support right now, who are working tirelessly to respond to this crisis behind the scenes, on the frontline, or at home. Our willingness, as a people, to step up in the face of what we are all experiencing with COVID-19 is awe-inspiring.” – Prince Harry & Meghan Markle
Table of Contents:
- Provider Discussion Boards on Topics Surrounding COVID-19
- IARF Member Call: COVID-19 Tues., March 24 at Noon – NEW CALL IN DETAILS!
- Governor Pritzker’s Executive Order Expanding Telemedicine in Illinois’ Medicaid Program: Statement from IARF President & CEO Josh Evans
- March 19 Pritzker Press Conference Summary
- March 25 Virtual Advocacy Day Postponed
- COVID-19 and People with IDD: Impact, Prevention & Action Webinar – March 25
- Scheduling for the Coronavirus Emergency Webinar – March 23
- State Fiscal Year 2020 – DMH Open Competitive Grants
- Mobile Crisis Response/SASS COVID-19 GUIDANCE
- ODEP Employment First Archived Webinar
- Further Guidance for DMH Residential Providers on COVID-19
- Kennedy Forum Offering Free Webinar on Managing Stress & Reducing Isolation
- Are You Interested in Serving as an Integrated Health Home?
- IARF Webinar: Passing a Fair Tax for Illinois
- Vote Yes for Fair Fax Social Media Channels
PROVIDER DISCUSSION BOARDS ON TOPICS SURROUNDING COVID-19
The resource center on the IARF website on COVID-19 has been recently updated to include provider discussion boards covering various topics around challenges providers may be facing during this time. Please find a link below to participate on any or all of these discussion boards. Information and responses on the discussion boards are available to all providers and are meant to serve as a place where peers are able to share and view ideas, policies, and best practices on various topics surrounding COVID-19. Responses on the discussion boards will remain anonymous. The only information provided on the response pages will be each response to the question and will not include email addresses. (Contact: Maggie Henley)
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE PROVIDER DISCUSSION BOARDS
IARF MEMBER CALL: COVID-19 TUES., MARCH 24 AT NOON – NEW CALL IN DETAILS!
IARF will continue to host member calls every Tuesday and Thursday through April 2nd on COVID-19. Due to the massive volume of attendees on our last COVID-19 Zoom call, we have upgraded to the webinar format where we are able to host up to 500 persons. The ZOOM Webinar will be in lieu of our bi-weekly calls. IARF members will be required to use the new information below for our new Webinar.
IARF Member Call: COVID-19
Mar 24, 2020 12:00 PM
Every week on Tues. & Thurs. through Apr 2, 2020
Join by computer: https://zoom.us/j/937555603 --OR-- Join by phone: (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 937 555 603
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system here.
(Contact: Luis Andrade)
GOVERNOR PRITZKER’S EXECUTIVE ORDER EXPANDING TELEMEDICINE IN ILLINOIS’ MEDICAID PROGRAM: STATEMENT FROM IARF PRESIDENT & CEO JOSH EVANS
MARCH 20, 2020 - “Yesterday, during his daily press conference on the COVID-19 public health crisis, Governor Pritzker increased our health and human services system’s ability to screen for illness and potentially isolate the spread of the virus through a significant expansion of telemedicine under the Medicaid program. IARF and the developmental disability and behavioral health providers we represent have pushed hard for this expansion and we applaud the Governor for this decision and his leadership during these difficult times.”
“Thousands of individuals with developmental disabilities across our state reside in small group homes and in larger, medical model settings staffed to meet individual needs and goals of residents. Thousands more frontline staff and professionals work with these individuals and in these settings, making many social distancing models difficult to pursue. As such, having telemedicine as a method to screen and diagnose potential illnesses where the individual with a developmental disability resides is a model that will mitigate instances of COVID-19 transmission from outside the residence/facility to residents and staff.”
“We hope to see telemedicine options ramp up soon so we have this crucial tool to continue protecting the health, safety, and well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities across Illinois.”
MARCH 19 PRITZKER PRESS CONFERENCE SUMMARY
SBA APPROVES SMALL BUSINESS LOANS IN ILLINOIS
Two days after submitting documentation demonstrating the impact of COVID-19 on more than 3,000 businesses across the state, Gov. Pritzker announced today that the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved the state’s eligibility for disaster assistance loans for small businesses facing financial hardship in all 102 counties due to COVID-19. Eligible businesses can apply for up to $2 million in low-interest loans at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov
NEW GROCERY STORE HOURS FOR OLDER RESIDENTS
After convening the largest grocers and food manufacturers in the state with the help of Illinois Retail Merchants Association, Gov. Pritzker announced today that a growing coalition of grocery stores statewide will set aside one or more hours of operation for older residents to shop, before stores open to the general public.
Among the grocers with new hours for elderly shoppers are Whole Foods and Shop & Save in the Chicagoland area and Hy-Vee and Valli Produce throughout Illinois.
EXPANDING HEALTH CARE SERVICES
Gov. Pritzker announced today that his administration is implementing several measures to remove regulatory barriers for health providers and increase opportunity for patients as Illinoisans are urged to stay home as much as possible during this time.
Through emergency rules and an executive order, the Pritzker administration has significantly relaxed rules around telemedicine for both Medicaid and private insurers, allowing more providers to get reimbursed for these services that allow patients more flexibility and safety. For plans regulated by the Department of Insurance, the executive order calls for providers to be reimbursed at the same rate at which they are reimbursed for in-person visits and prohibits private health insurers from imposing any cost-sharing for in-network providers. For Medicaid, the emergency rules also require providers to be reimbursed at the same rate at which they are reimbursed for in-person visits.
The Department of Healthcare and Family Services has filed an 1135 waiver with the federal government to remove administrative barriers for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The Pritzker administration is seeking to increase access to telehealth and the number of health care providers that can screen patients, allow 90-day prescription supplies without prior authorization and early refills, as well as several other items that will increase flexibility and provide additional resources.
The Department of Human Services has also filed a federal waiver to ease eligibility requirements for food assistance programs like SNAP and WIC, which cover 1.8 million Illinoisans and 174,000 pregnant women and parents of young children respectively.
ESSENTIAL SERVICES WILL REMAIN
As rumors continue to swirl, Gov. Pritzker assures Illinoisans that essential services will always remain open, including but not limited to grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations. As new information becomes available, the Pritzker administration will continue to communicate with the public and media in a timely and transparent manner.
SALES TAX DEFERRAL FOR BARS AND RESTAURANTS
To help alleviate some of the unprecedented challenges facing bars and restaurants due to COVID-19, Gov. Pritzker has directed the Department of Revenue to defer sales tax payments for more than 24,000 small- and medium-sized bars and restaurants — accounting for nearly 80% of all such entities statewide.
Under the directive, eating and drinking establishments that incurred less than $75,000 in sales tax liabilities last year will not be charged penalties or interest on payments due in March, April or May made late. The Department of Revenue estimates this will give relief to nearly 80% of bars and restaurants in Illinois.
Penalties and interest will be automatically waived; however, qualified taxpayers must still file their sales tax return even if they are unable to make a payment. Any taxpayers taking advantage of this relief will be required to pay their sales tax liabilities due in March, April and May in four installments starting on May 20 and extending through August 20. For more information, please view IDOR’s informational bulletin available at tax.illinois.gov.
(Contact Dan Frey)
MARH 25 VIRTUAL ADVOCACY DAY POSTPONED
IARF’s planned March 25th Virtual Advocacy Day has been postponed, pending more information on when the General Assembly will be reconvening. The House has cancelled next week’s session, and it is anticipated more cancellations will occur as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact business as usual around the state and in the Capitol. IARF will continue to monitor the situation and make rescheduling decisions based on the amended legislative calendar, when it becomes available. (Contact Dan Frey)
COVID-19 AND PEOPLE WITH IDD: IMPACT, PREVENTION & ACTION WEBINAR – MARCH 25
Next Wednesday, HRS, Inc. Will host a free, 30-minute webinar on how people with IDD and those who support them can reduce the risk of acquiring the disease, reduce transmission to others and what actions should be taken to prepare for the possibility of needing healthcare during this time of crisis.
COVID-19 and People with IDD: Impact, Prevention & Action Webinar
March 25, 10:00am
Register Here
Space for the webinar is limited, so be sure to register early. A recording of the presentation will be available after the presentation for those who are unable to attend. Click here to register. (Contact: Maggie Henley)
SCHEDULING FOR THE CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY WEBINAR – MARCH 23
Many providers are facing major disruptions to their schedules. Day programs are being closed, group homes (already short staffed) have additional shifts, HCBS visits are being re-scheduled, cancelled and more.
On Monday, MITC will host an emergency, free webinar/training at 1:00pm CST. Attendees will learn how to use scheduling to manage emergencies like coronavirus, snow days, and more! (Contact: Maggie Henley)
Scheduling for the Coronavirus Emergency Webinar
March 23, 1:00pm
Register Here
STATE FISCAL YEAR 2020 – DMH OPEN COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS
Please see the below notice from DMH regarding DMH Competitive Programs. DMH has assumered us that they continue to monitor the impact of the pandemic closely, and will respond as necessary, should there be potential for future delays:
Community Mental Health Services Providers,
Due to the state and national emergency declarations subsequent to COVID-19, the Division of Mental Health has extended the deadline to submit documents for the NOFO’s listed below. The deadline has now been extended to April 22, 2020 by 5:00 PM. It is imperative that applicants follow complete instructions and requirements in the NOFO posting to ensure applications are accepted.
- Regions the Living Room (510-RTLR) 444-22-1484
- Transitional Living Centers (854) 444-22-2370
- Transitional Community Care and Supports (855) 444-22-2369
If there are any questions, please contact Barb Roberson (barb.roberson@illinois.gov)
We value and appreciate your continued service to our clients!
IDHS Division of Mental Health
(Contact Dan Frey)
MOBILE CRISIS RESPONSE/SASS COVID-19 GUIDANCE
Please see below for guidance from HFS regarding Mobile Crisis Response in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic:
This notice provides updated COVID-19 guidance to Screening, Assessment, and Support Services (SASS) / Mobile Crisis Response-Designated Service Area providers.
HFS encourages providers to use materials available through the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) as part of their internal education of staff, including:
CDC Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
Printable resources (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/factsheets.html
Prevention and treatment suggestions (IDPH): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html
Effective immediately, HFS will require the Crisis And Referral Entry Service (CARES) line,
1-800-345-9049, to include a symptom checklist for the COVID-19 virus as part of their screening process including asking if the individual or anyone in the individual’s household or immediate surroundings has a cough, fever or shortness of breath.
CARES will also be conducting more in-depth screening to ensure that a mobile response is necessary to stabilize the individual.
When CARES sends a referral to providers for a face-to-face assessment, they will also notify the provider whether or not the individual or other members of their household exhibit COVID-19 symptoms.
If the individual or other members of the household do not exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, providers should conduct the face-to-face assessment using reasonable precautions such as maintaining a six-foot distance from others and washing hands often. Prior to beginning the assessment, perform the symptom checklist again with the individual/family.
If the individual requires inpatient psychiatric services, staff will need to coordinate this admission with the hospital to ensure the individual is not put at further risk for COVID-19 in the Emergency Department (ED) areas of the hospital. Telehealth may be utilized by the physician to complete the admission assessment, if necessary, to prevent exposure to COVID-19. HFS will also be working with psychiatric hospitals to address requirements for medical clearance of individuals in crisis to limit services required in the ED prior to inpatient hospitalization.
If the individual or other members of the household do exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, providers should conduct the face-to-face assessment by remaining outside the location of the individual, preferably in the open air, maintaining at least a six (6)-foot distance from others. Do not enter the home or location of the individual. Staff should follow all reasonable precautions required by their agency at all times during the assessment process.
If the individual requires inpatient psychiatric services, staff will need to coordinate this admission with the hospital to ensure that others are not put at risk of exposure to the virus. It is important that the hospital be made aware that the individual or those of their household have symptoms of COVID-19.
If the individual does not require hospitalization, please provide the recommended precautions and guidance for COVID-19 to the individual and family as well as any referrals needed for community behavioral health services.
If the individual is in crisis and is at a location that the staff is not allowed to access, such as a residential facility or emergency department, the staff may, under these circumstances, conduct the screening via telephone or videoconference. Staff should bill for their time completing the telephonic or videoconference screening as Crisis Intervention, on-site.
Questions regarding this notice may be directed to the Bureau of Behavioral Health via telephone at 217-557-1000 or via email at HFS.BBH@illinois.gov.
Kelly Cunningham
Interim Medicaid Administrator
(Contact Dan Frey)
ODEP EMPLOYMENT FIRST ARCHIVED WEBINAR
The Employment First Community of Practice webinar on "Expanding Partnerships: Career Pathways, Opportunities and Challenges" hosted by the US Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has been recorded and is now available. In the webinar, a team from the District of Columbia discussed their initiatives to ensure that Employment First efforts extend to Career Pathways partners, including the development of cross-system Memoranda of Understanding. The team developed formal agreements and activities to promote co-enrollment, data and resource sharing, adult education, credentialing programs, vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, and Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services to support the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce. View the recorded webinar HERE. (Contact: Beth Owens)
FURTHER GUIDANCE FOR DMH RESIDENTIAL PROVIDERS ON COVID-19
Please see this linked letter regarding DMH Residental Providers re: COVID-19. (Contact Dan Frey)
KENNEDY FORUM OFFERING FREE WEBINAR ON MANAGING STRESS & REDUCING ISOLATION
The Kennedy Forum Illinois is offering a free 60-minute webinar for businesses and organizations on how to manage stress and reduce isolation. Please contact James Burns, Director of Programs, at james@thekennedyforum.org if you would like to schedule a training. (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. HFS has stated that at this time, they still plan to move ahead with this launch, despite the COVID-19 crisis. 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)
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
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)
