Otra gran oportunidad para dar sus comentarios sobre la herramienta de presupuesto: fechas límite, audiencia pública y una reunión para aprender mas

December 2, 2021 ACLU Idaho

El mes pasado, el Medicaid de Idaho pidió sus comentarios sobre las nuevas reglas para el programa DD.

Este mes, el Medicaid de Idaho quiere sus comentarios otra vez. Esta vez quieren sus comentarios sobre los cambios al “rechazo de responsabilidad” del programa DD. El “rechazo de responsabilidad” explica como funcionara el programa DD. El gobierno federal tiene que aprobar estos cambios.

El Medicaid de Idaho tiene que decirle al gobierno que comentarios recibe. Si Medicaid de Idaho no hace cambios basados a los comentarios que recibe, tiene que explicarle al gobierno federal por qué no.

¿Como puedo aprender más?

Puede Leer aquí los cambios que el Medicaid de Idaho quiere hacer.

Los abogados de K.W. v. Armstrong llevaran a cabo una reunión virtual para que usted pueda aprender más y dar buenos comentarios. Esta reunión está abierta para todos. A las personas que reciben servicios de Medicaid DD en Idaho y sus abogados principales se les dará prioridad para hacer preguntas.

Aprenda más de los abogados de K.W. v. Armstrong:

Miércoles, 8 de diciembre 2021
2:00 PM MT a 3:30 PM MT / 1:00 PM PT a 2:30 PM PT
Debe registrarse con antelación para asistir. Regístrese aquí.

¿Como puedo dar mis comentarios a Medicaid sobre los cambios?

Ya sea que venga a la reunión con los abogados o no, puede compartir sus comentarios con el Medicaid de Idaho.

Comparta sus comentarios con el Medicaid de Idaho en cualquiera de estas tres maneras:

1. Puede compartir en la audiencia pública virtual el viernes, 10 de diciembre 2021 a las 10:00 AM MT / 9:00 AM PT.

Únase a la reunión en video: https://bit.ly/Dec10waiver
O llame al:          1-415-655-0003, la maquina le contestará en inglés y le pedirá la siguiente información:
Access code (Código de Acceso):    2469 342 2940
Password (Contraseña):                1234

2. Puede dejar su comentario por teléfono por medio de correo de voz:

Llame al 1-855-249-5024

3. Puede escribir sus comentarios y enviarlos a Medicaid para el viernes, 31 de diciembre 2021, a las 11:59 PM MT (10:59 PM PT):

Envíelos por correo electrónico a: HCBSWaivers@dhw.idaho.gov

O por correo a:

Medicaid Central Office
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0036
Attn: Karen Westbrook

O en persona a:

Medicaid Central Office
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
3232 Elder Street
Boise, ID 83705
Attn: Karen Westbrook

O por fax:

Fax 1-208-332-7286

¿Tiene preguntas? ¡Haganoslo saber!

Another Big Chance to Give Feedback About the Budget Tool: Deadlines, Public Hearing, and a Meeting to Learn More

December 1, 2021 ACLU Idaho

(Ver esta publicación en español .)

Last month, Idaho Medicaid asked for your feedback about the new rules for the DD program.

This month, Idaho Medicaid wants your feedback again. This time they want your feedback about changes to the DD program “waiver.” The “waiver” says how the DD program will work. The federal government has to approve these changes.

Idaho Medicaid has to tell the federal government what feedback it gets. If Idaho Medicaid does not make changes based on your feedback, it has to explain to the federal government why not.

How can I learn more?

You can read the changes Idaho Medicaid wants to make here.

The K.W. v. Armstrong lawyers will hold an online meeting so you can learn more and give good feedback. This meeting is open to everyone. People who get Medicaid DD services in Idaho and their primary advocates will get priority to ask questions.

Learn more from the K.W. v. Armstrong lawyers:

Wednesday, December 8, 2021
2:00 PM MT to 3:30 PM MT / 1:00 PM PT to 2:30 PM PT
You must register in advance to attend. Register here.

How do I give feedback to Medicaid about the changes?

Whether you come to the meeting with the lawyers or not, you can share your feedback with Idaho Medicaid.

Share your feedback with Idaho Medicaid in any of three ways:

1. You can share it at an online public hearing on Friday, December 10, 2021, at 10:00 AM MT / 9:00 AM PT.

Join the meeting by video: https://bit.ly/Dec10waiver
Or call in:           1-415-655-0003
Access code:        2469 342 2940
Password:           1234

2. You can leave a comment by phone by recording a voicemail:

Call 1-855-249-5024

3. You can write out your comments and send them to Medicaid by Friday, December 31, 2021, at 11:59 PM MT (10:59 PM PT):

Email them to: HCBSWaivers@dhw.idaho.gov

Or mail them to:

Medicaid Central Office
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0036
Attn: Karen Westbrook

Or hand deliver them to:

Medicaid Central Office
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
3232 Elder Street
Boise, ID 83705
Attn: Karen Westbrook

Or fax them to:

Fax 1-208-332-7286

Have questions? Let us know!

El siguiente gran paso para la nueva herramienta de presupuesto está aquí: ¡Nuevas reglas de Medicaid!

October 26, 2021 ACLU Idaho

(View this post in English.)

La nueva herramienta de presupuesto estará disponible en junio de 2022. Antes de eso, Medicaid de Idaho todavía tiene trabajo que hacer para prepararlo. El próximo gran paso está por venir. Medicaid de Idaho hará nuevas reglas para que pueda usar la nueva herramienta.

Para hacer esas reglas, Medicaid de Idaho tiene que recibir sus comentarios. Eso comienza el próximo mes, 2021 de noviembre. Medicaid llevará a cabo algo llamado “elaboración de reglas negociadas” para obtener sus comentarios.

Usted puede leer el borrador de reglas que Medicaid de Idaho quiere hacer aquí.

Puede compartir sus comentarios de dos maneras:

1. Usted puede compartirlo en una reunión especial de video el martes, 16 de noviembre de 2021, a las 2:00 PM MT / 1:00 PM PT.

Únase a la reunión en vídeo: https://bit.ly/Nov16rules

o llame al 1-415-655-0003 o al 1-720-650-7664: la maquina contestará en inglés y le pedirá la siguiente información:

Access Code (Código de Acceso): 2467 615 8964
Password (Contraseña): 1234

2. Puede escribir sus comentarios y enviarlos a Medicaid antes del viernes 26 de noviembre de 2021.

Envíelos por correo electrónico a: dhwrules@dhw.idaho.gov
O envíelos por correo a:

Reglas de DHW
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0036

Antes de eso, hay tres oportunidades de obtener más información y estar preparado para compartir sus comentarios:

1. El Consejo de Discapacidades del Desarrollo de Idaho se unirá con los abogados de K.W. v. Armstrong para una reunión pública que le ayudará a prepararse para compartir sus comentarios. Puede asistir en directo o ver una grabación después.

Lunes, 8 de noviembre de 2021
6:00 PM MT a 8:00 PM MT / 5:00 PM PT a 7:00 PM PT

Cualquier persona puede unirse o ver esta reunión.

Para asistir en directo, regístrese aquí

Para ver la grabación después, vaya al canal de YouTube del DD Council.

2. Los abogados de K.W. v. Armstrong celebrarán una reunión privada sólo para las personas que reciben servicios de Medicaid DD en Idaho y su defensor principal. Esta reunión no será registrada.

Jueves, 11 de noviembre de 2021
1:30 PM MT a 3:30 PM MT / 12:30 PM PT a 2:30 PM PT

Debe registrarse con antelación para asistir. Regístrese aquí

3. Medicaid de Idaho planea publicar una grabación de video sobre las reglas. ¡Manténgase atento para obtener un enlace a la grabación una vez que se publique!

Tendes preguntas? ¡Háganoslo saber!

The next big step for the new budget tool is here: new Medicaid rules!

October 26, 2021 ACLU Idaho

(Ver esta publicación en español.)

The new budget tool is coming in June 2022. Before then, Idaho Medicaid still has work to do to get it ready. The next big step is coming up. Idaho Medicaid will make new rules so it can use the new tool.

To make those rules, Idaho Medicaid has to get your feedback. That starts next month, November 2021. Medicaid will hold something called “negotiated rulemaking” to get your comments.

You can read the draft rules that Idaho Medicaid wants to make here.

You can share your feedback in two ways:

1. You can share it at a special video meeting on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at 2:00 PM MT / 1:00 PM PT.

Join the meeting by video: https://bit.ly/Nov16rules
Or call in:           1-415-655-0003 or 1-720-650-7664

Meeting number (access code):        2467 615 8964
Password:           1234

2. You can write out your comments and send them to Medicaid by Friday, November 26, 2021.

Email them to: dhwrules@dhw.idaho.gov
Or mail them to:

DHW Rules
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0036

Before then there are three chances to learn more and get ready to share your feedback:

1. The Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities will join with the K.W. v. Armstrong lawyers for a public meeting to help you get ready to share your feedback. You can attend live or watch a recording after.

Monday, November 8, 2021
6:00 PM MT to 8:00 PM MT / 5:00 PM PT to 7:00 PM PT

Anyone can join or watch this meeting.

To attend live, register here.
To watch the recording after, go to the DD Council’s YouTube channel.

2. The K.W. v. Armstrong lawyers will hold a private meeting just for people who get Medicaid DD services in Idaho and their primary advocate. This meeting will not be recorded.

Thursday, November 11, 2021
1:30 PM MT to 3:30 PM MT / 12:30 PM PT to 2:30 PM PT

You must register in advance to attend. Register here.

3. Idaho Medicaid is planning to post a video recording about the rules. Stay tuned for a link to the recording once it is posted!

Have questions? Let us know!

Latest Updates about K.W. v. Armstrong: meeting on September 9, 2021 / Últimas Actualizaciones sobre K.W. v. Armstrong: reunión el 9 de septiembre del 2021

August 25, 2021 ACLU Idaho

Get the latest updates on Idaho’s adult DD Medicaid Program. There is a lot going on right now. You need to be involved to make sure your voice is heard. You need to stay informed so that you give good input.

Obtenga las últimas actualizaciones sobre el Programa de Medicaid DD para adultos de Idaho. Hay mucho en marcha ahora mismo. Usted necesita estar involucrado para asegurarse de que su voz sea escuchada. Usted necesita permanecerse informado para que dé una buena opinión.

The lawyers who represent everyone in Idaho’s adult DD Medicaid program in the K.W. v. Armstrong class action lawsuit will host another update meeting to keep you informed. The meeting will be held via Zoom on Thursday, September 9, at 2:00 PM MT/1:00 PM PT.

Los abogados que representan a todos los miembros del programa de Medicaid DD para adultos de Idaho en la demanda K.W. v. Armstrong serán los anfitriones de otra reunión de actualización para mantenerle informado. La reunión se celebrará vía Zoom el jueves 9 de septiembre a las 2:00 PM MT/1:00 PM PT.

This webinar will help you learn more about what’s happening in this case. You will also be able to ask questions and give feedback.

Este seminario web le ayudará a obtener más información sobre lo que está sucediendo en este caso. También podrás hacer preguntas y dar tu opinión.

Some things to note about this webinar:

This meeting will only be open to:
- Adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities on Idaho Medicaid
- One of those adults’ closest family member or friend
This will be a confidential meeting between you and your lawyers and, therefore, requires advanced registration
The meeting will be in English and Spanish and there will be English captions.

Algunas cosas a tener en cuenta sobre este seminario web:

Esta reunión solo estará abierta a:
- Adultos con discapacidades intelectuales o del desarrollo en Idaho Medicaid
- Uno de los familiares o amigos más cercanos de esos adultos
Esta será una reunión confidencial entre usted y sus abogados y, por lo tanto, requiere que se registre anticipadamente
Esta reunión será en inglés y español y Habrá subtítulos en inglés.

Regístrese aquí: https://aclu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CCAr4eNdTz6WsMCOGXihIg

If you need accommodations to participate please contact Ritchie Eppink at reppink@acluidaho.org or (208) 344-9750 extension 1202.

Si necesita adaptaciones para participar favor de contactar a Ritchie Eppink al reppink@acluidaho.org o (208) 344-9750 extensión 1202.

New Resource Allocation Model & Service Array Update Call on 07/12/2021

July 9, 2021 ACLU Idaho

Please join the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Monday, July 12, 2021 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. MST, for the Developmental Disability New Resource Allocation Model and Service Array Update Call. You may join via WebEx by clicking the following link:

https://idhw.webex.com/idhw/onstage/g.php?MTID=e7cedbbe554a71835974c9f1647c678bf

We recommend joining via the link above using a computer or smartphone rather than using the phone-in only option. Those who choose to use the phone only option will not have access to the chat feature for asking questions and providing comments.

If you are unable to join by clicking the link, copy and paste the link into your browser. If you receive an error message or a message stating the link is invalid, please exit your browser completely and try again, or try a different browser. If this does not resolve the issue you may have to call into the meeting using the information below. Any questions or comments will need to be emailed to the address indicated below.

AGENCY PROVIDERS: You may distribute this invitation to the appropriate staff within your agency. The invitation is for the date specified only. New meeting log-in links will be generated each week.

While this weekly call addresses the new resource allocation model and service array, we will continue to provide COVID-19 infection rate data and any applicable COVID-19 updates at the beginning of this call every other week.

All attendees are muted upon entry. Questions and comments may be entered into the Chat box. Due to the large number of attendees and comments, we will not be able to unmute lines during this call. Comments and questions may also be submitted to HCBSWaivers@dhw.idaho.gov.

To join by phone only, call the number below and enter the access code. As indicated, you will not be able to access the chat feature using this option.

US Toll

+1-415-655-0003

Access Code / Event Number: 177 314 5900

Event Password: 1234

New Resource Allocation Model & Service Array Update Call on 07/06/2021

July 2, 2021 ACLU Idaho

Please join us Tuesday, July 6, 2021 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. MST, for the Developmental Disability New Resource Allocation Model and Service Array Update Call. You may join via WebEx by clicking the following link:

https://idhw.webex.com/idhw/onstage/g.php?MTID=e25b7f3ff1478b04e03b25ccb9acd4351

AGENCY PROVIDERS: You may distribute this invitation to the appropriate staff within your agency. The invitation is for the date specified only. New meeting log-in links will be generated each week.

To join by phone only, call the number below and enter the access code. As indicated, you will not be able to access the chat feature using this option.

US Toll

+1-415-655-0003

Access Code / Event Number: 177 236 4126

Event Password: 1234

Court Notice

June 28, 2021 ACLU Idaho

K.W. v. Armstrong class action lawsuit

Read this notice carefully!

This is about the Medicaid program for adults with developmental disabilities in Idaho.

There is a class action lawsuit about that program. The lawsuit is called K.W. v. Armstrong. The lawsuit is in federal court in Idaho.

The lawsuit affects everyone who gets services in that Medicaid program. A group of lawyers helps argue for you. You do not have to pay these lawyers for their help. Instead, those lawyers are asking the Court to have the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare pay them for work they did recently.

Does the lawsuit affect you?

The class action lawsuit is about the Idaho Medicaid adult developmental disabilities program. If you are in that program or have applied to it, the lawsuit affects you.

What is happening in the lawsuit?

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare agreed to settle the lawsuit. The Court approved the settlement in 2017. The settlement requires the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to change the way it comes up with your budget each year. The Department has to make sure the budget system is more fair.

The settlement gave the Department up to three years to fix the budget system. Because the work wasn’t done in three years, the lawyers who help argue for you asked the Court to set a deadline. The Court set a deadline of June 2022 for the Department to finish the work.

Why am I getting this notice?

You do not have to pay the lawyers who help argue for you. The lawyers are asking the Court to have the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare pay for the work they did to get a final deadline set. The settlement agreement that the Court approved says the lawyers can ask to the Court to have the Department pay for their work.

You are getting this notice to let you know what the lawyers are asking for.

What are the lawyers asking for?

The lawyers who help argue for you are asking the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to pay them $115,730 in attorney fees for the work they did, plus the costs of sending this notice out. The Department would have to pay those fees.

What can you do next?

If you agree with the fees the lawyers have asked for, you do not have to do anything.

If you disagree with the attorney fees that the lawyers have asked for, you can write a letter to the judge. Include your name, address, phone number, and signature on the letter. On the first page of the letter, write in large letters:

“K.W. v. Armstrong objection to attorney fees”

If you object, mail your letters to:

Judge B. Lynn Winmill
U.S. District Court
550 West Fort Street
Boise, ID 83702

You must mail your letters on or before August 6, 2021.

How will the judge make a decision?

The judge will give a written decision that decides whether to have the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare pay the attorney fees.

How can I get more information?

You can get more information at this website:

www.OurHealthAndWelfare.org

The lawyers who help argue for you run that website. They use it to get information to you about the lawsuit. You can read more about the case and this notice on the website. The website also has the court papers about the lawyers asking the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to pay for their work.

You can also get more information by contacting the ACLU of Idaho:

ACLU of Idaho
PO Box 1897
Boise, ID 83701
(208) 344-9750, extension 1202
reppink@acluidaho.org

All documents filed in the lawsuit are also on file with:

U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho
550 West Fort Street
Boise, ID 83702

The case is K.W. v. Armstrong, no. 1:12-cv-22-BLW.

Image of court notice (click to view PDF)

New Resource Allocation Model & Service Array Update Call on 06/21/2021

June 19, 2021 ACLU Idaho

Please join us Monday, June 21, 2021 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. MST, for the Developmental Disability New Resource Allocation Model and Service Array Update Call. You may join via WebEx by clicking the following link: https://idhw.webex.com/idhw/onstage/g.php?MTID=e712234aa3d8046c1beafbdd17e3a7a1b

AGENCY PROVIDERS: You may distribute this invitation to the appropriate staff within your agency. The invitation is for the date specified only. New meeting log-in links will be generated each week.

Please Note: For this week’s call, we will be addressing several questions previously submitted. Depending on the time needed to address those questions, we may not be able to respond to additional questions submitted through the chat box.

To join by phone only, call the number below and enter the access code. As indicated, you will not be able to access the chat feature using this option.

US Toll: +1-415-655-0003

Access Code / Event Number: 177 149 1864

Event Password: 1234

HAPPENING TODAY, MAY 10: New Resource Allocation Model & Service Array Update Call

May 10, 2021 ACLU Idaho

Please join us Monday, May 10, 2021 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. MST, as the Department of Health and Welfare hosts the Developmental Disability New Resource Allocation Model and Service Array Update Call. You may join via WebEx by clicking the following link:

https://idhw.webex.com/idhw/onstage/g.php?MTID=ecf2f93324bc0ae5de9814446e0a772a7

We recommend joining via the link above using a computer or smartphone rather than using the phone-in only option. Those who choose to use the phone only option will not have access to the chat feature for asking questions and providing comments.

AGENCY PROVIDERS: You may distribute this invitation to the appropriate staff within your agency. The invitation is for the date specified only. New meeting log-in links will be generated each week.

This weekly call will replace the BDDS Provider Update Calls, which have been occurring every other week. We will continue to provide updated COVID-19 infection rate data and any applicable COVID-19 updates at the beginning of this call every other week.

Please note – All attendees are muted upon entry. Questions and comments may be entered into the Chat box. Due to the large number of attendees and comments, we will not be able to unmute lines during this call. Comments and questions may also be submitted to HCBSWaivers@dhw.idaho.gov.

To join by phone only, call the number below and enter the access code. As indicated, you will not be able to access the chat feature using this option.

US Toll

+1-415-655-0003

Access Code / Event Number: 133 598 4515

Event Password: 1234