It was great to see so many faces last night at the DD Task Force/Pioneer Family meeting at the SHAW center.I know that not everyone was able to make the meeting, so I'm going to list the highlights of the evening. Keep in mind, that this is a process that we are all in together.1. It was explained that EDS (which falls under the Vocational Development Grant) of Pioneer center is one of several programs that is participating in this conversion project. Why? “Participating in the FY10 Conversion Project is voluntary with the understanding, based on the FY09 and FY10 budgeting experiences, that choosing not to convert non-Medicaid funds to Medicaid reimbursable programs could make their funding more vulnerable to budget reductions. Providers and individuals must make their own decisions, given the current environment, as to whether they want to convert programs. If a provider makes the choice to convert, the individuals served must determine how they wish to proceed in light of the new circumstances.” --Division of DD.
2. Medicaid! If you don't have it, step one is to get it. We are lucky to have Pioneer's own, RUTH ASHER (Client Benefits Specialist) that is willing to assist folks with the Medicaid application questions. Her email is
rasher@pioneercenter.org. She stated in the meeting that sometimes having a letter submitted about circumstances along with the application is helpful. It was suggested that in your letter incorporate the words "NEEDS TO BE IN A MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAM".
You can get an application on line at
http://www.hfs.illinois.gov/assets/hfs2378h.pdfOr you can travel out to Woodstock to the
DHS office (
McHenry County Local Office 2215 Lake Shore Drive Woodstock, IL 60098 Phone: 815/338-0234)
3. PUNS! You need to be on the PUNS list, which is basically a big data base of needs of everyone in Illinois. To get on this list, you will need to meet with Options & Advocacy. They are the agent for the county, so they are the ones to see. O&A gathers up the paperwork needs and gets your person on this list. The person heading this up for us is
JoEllen Bianchi. Her email is
joellen.bianchi@opad.org and her phone is 815-477-4700. It was learned that once you are on this list, you stay on this list. But pay attention when you get a letter in the mail about the PUNS list. If you get a letter asking for updated information, it is your responsibility to contact O&A. The will not be tracking you down since they have some 600 people to keep track of for this database. Paperwork they are looking for: Medicaid card, medicare card (optional), social
securty card, birth certificate,
psycholgical eval & guardianship papers (if applicable).
Even more information, see the below site
4. Eligibility: Each individual will need to meet with O&A for an evaluation. They are the individuals who will looking at all the criteria areas 1) Self-Care;(2) Understanding and Use of Language;(3) Learning;(4) Mobility;(5) Self-Direction; and (6) Capacity for Independent Living. Psychologicals need to be submitted as well. At this time, it is recommended that you have one on file less that 5 years old. But O&A is working hard to use even old psychs to prove eligibility. O&A will work with individuals on a case by case to get people updated psychs.
5. Harsh Reality: It's unfortunate that there is possibility that not everyone is going to be eligible for services (there might not be enough spots allotted). There is a strong commitment here at PC to serves as many as people as possible. What is going to happen is there will be a transparent process defined of who will, and will not get served as well. This is being developed with several criteria. This will be investigated even further.
She will not be able to teach the class at MCC tomorrow. 
