ABCD Welcomes Presenters

Cristine Chickadel, Program Assistant in NJ ABLE within DHS, Division of Disability Services (DDS) joined the ABCD membership in February for a zoom presentation on NJ ABLE.  NI’s ABLE program began in 2016, 2 years after federal bill passage, and is part of the National ABLE Alliance which consists of 19 state consortiums.  Cristine spent the next half hour defining the program, eligibility (NJ ABLE is a self-certifying account, BTW), special tax advantages, what funds can be used for, no impact on current benefits, advice to Rep Payees, user friendly sign up system which enable individuals to have power and control over their account, contribution limits, low fees, range of investment options, contribution limits (which went up $1k this past year), additional contributions in the “ABLE to Work Plan,’ contracted vendors, 529 College Savings rollover provision, reviewing frequently asked questions and taking questions from the audience.  Cristine welcomed follow up questions from and help to agencies at any time.  A really interesting presentation. Thanks to Christine, DDS and NJABLE!

Over 50 ABCD members attended a zoom presentation by Tiffany Hood, Program Planning and Development Specialist in DOL’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Tiffany provided an overview of the program mission, eligibility, and 5-step process, emphasizing the uniqueness of every individual client and case. Tiffany also introduced the group to two programs for high school students, Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and Project Search which sets student up with 3 internships, in addition to the ongoing support for people of all ages provided by the DVR funded Centers for Independent Living, community based, consumer driven organizations which provide advocacy, peer support, information and referral, transition and skills training.  Tiffany provided advise on how support coordinators can optimize communication with DVR local offices, options for job trails, funding for school, and the mechanism by which an individual can transition from DVR to DDD supported employment services should they need extended following along services after the 90-day DVR program is complete. It was terrific to have Tiffany join us for a very informative session.

ABCD colleague and friend, Brian Brennan, Esq., Administrator and Attorney for Medicaid Institutional Support Services updated over 60 ABCD members on Medicaid redetermination process after the PHE, “The Unwinding.”  There are very many rules and regulations suspended over the least year and Medicaid is trying to deal with every eventuality to minimize disruptions and terminations. Brian explained what and the consequences of being over resourced – review resources to make sure the individual is below the 2k threshold! If they are not, there is still time to spend this money.  Note that though stimulus checks were once exempted they will not be excluded going forward. If a person does not receive a response, they are most likely ineligible as Medicaid does not send out notification that someone has not been approved. Brian also gave recommendations on working with the counties during this period. This whirlwind 33-minute presentation was well received by attendees “TY – he was very good – well informed – He is definitely a great resource!”  Agreed.

Last but never least, Wendy Yosco and Amy Scartocci of DDD visited with the QA Forum to discuss implementation of HCBS on “Completion Day, “March 17, 2023. Wendy announced that the last approval was received the day before. She recognized that this we a very difficult and tedious process which would not have succeeded but for the incredible work by the provider community.  HCBS won’t be perfect, it is a process, and it is difficult – accountability for people’s health and safety while upholding their rights.  Then she asked, “Tell us what you are struggling with?” Participants discussed initial implementation issues and received tips and recommendations from Wendy and Amy as well as other members.  Amy and Wendy concluded by saying that HCBS must be embedded in everything that we do; embrace this evolution of the industry through policies and practices.  “We are in this together.”