William Abda

The meeting focused on updates regarding the Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) program implementation in the Southeast region, which is scheduled to go live on January 1st. Key discussion points included enrollment plan selection progress, where enrollment rates were tracking to potentially exceed the Southwest region's national record, and updates on participant communication and education efforts, including outreach to service coordinators. Provider education included addressing billing nuances for the brain injury community and discussing transportation logistics, evidenced by a transportation summit held on November 16th. Readiness review confirmed that policies and procedures were in good shape, although ongoing work focused on finalizing provider network adequacy, particularly concerning hospitals and nursing facilities. Updates on the Southwest operations included monitoring corrective action plans related to person-centered care planning and the rollout of approved denial notices for UPMC and Pennsylvania Health Wellness. Monitoring reports for call volume, complaints, grievances, and changes in service plans were also reviewed.

This document provides an overview of the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), detailing its mission to support Pennsylvanians with developmental disabilities in achieving independence, choice, and opportunity. It is guided by the 'Everyday Lives Recommendations,' which include promoting self-direction, increasing employment, supporting families, improving quality, expanding community living, and fostering racial equity. Key initiatives covered are a Multi-Year Program Growth Strategy aimed at eliminating the adult emergency waiting list, the Community Participation Supports Workgroup, Performance-Based Contracting, and the Supportive Housing Pilot. The overview also outlines ODP's organizational structure, service offerings, and eligibility criteria.

The meeting agenda included updates on the H.R.1 Workgroup and OMAP. Specific discussions involved an overview of Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) programs, a CAO Complement Update from the Office of Income Maintenance, an update on the Implementation of Work Requirements for SNAP, and an overview of eCIS and the IT Runway.

The Allegheny County Improvement Plan, developed collaboratively with various stakeholders including the Department of Human Services and Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, details strategies and initiatives to enhance outcomes for children and families. The plan focuses on three primary objectives: Improved Permanency, Improved Engagement of Fathers, and Improved Teaming (Formation and Function). It incorporates findings from multiple data sources and outlines specific steps and recommendations to achieve these critical improvements.

The meeting included updates on Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) matters. Key discussion points included the status of OLTL procurements regarding Agency with Choice and Community Health Choices RFA, noting no updates are currently available. Updates were provided on Round Two funding opportunities under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) providers, specifically for Adult Day Centers and durable medical equipment providers, with funding up to $40,000 per request. The committee also highlighted engagement opportunities such as the Pennsylvania Maternal Health Roundtable listening session and Community Health Worker stakeholder sessions. Furthermore, an update was given on the increase of the Personal Needs Allowance deduction effective January 1, 2025. The status of the Home and Community Based Services rate and wage study provider survey relaunch was reviewed, noting critical data collection needs, especially from Home Care agencies. Finally, enrollment data for the LIFE program was presented, indicating steady enrollment and noting that IEB referrals are attributable to a 6% increase in LIFE enrollments since Statewide enrollments went live in May 2021. Enrollment statistics for CHC were also reviewed, confirming 99% of closed applications met the 90-day requirement.