DSS Board Minutes 081511 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES August 15, 2011 2 In addition, DSS has submitted a proposal to administer a Food and Nutrition Services grant. If awarded, this $180,000 grant will allow us to broaden our employment efforts. These funds will be used to: maintain existing staff; provide group and individualized work with persons seeking employment including completing applications; contact employers; provide coaching and support during job search; and work with the community college to acquire additional skills. A portion of the funding will also assist participants with transportation, child care and training costs. 2. Child Care Update Nancy Coston informed the Board that the agency continues to address child care issues during this period of transition of the Smart Start subsidy program to DSS. DSS agreed to make no payments until everything is in writing. DSS will follow the guidelines are established by the Orange County Partnership for Young Children (OCPYC). It is critical that this process be transparent. The funds will be tracked to assure payments are correct and that there is an adequate amount to subsidize children currently in the program. It has been a challenge obtaining eligibility information for all the currently enrolled families. Those that are ineligible are being transitioned off the program. There will be a meeting with providers next week. This will be an opportunity to address any concerns they have regarding the transition and to clarify the priorities established by OCPYC Board. There will also be information presented regarding the rates for subsidy as well as enhancements. DSS staff are working with OCPYC staff on the Memorandum of Understanding. Once that is finalized, payments will be issued to the providers. Currently child welfare, homeless, and adolescent parents are being picked up in the DSS subsidy Program. Work First families will be the next priority for these funds. 3. Changes in Medicaid Programs Substantial cuts are likely to be made in Medicaid programs and will primarily impact adults. Decisions will have to be made such as is it better to cut back in some programs rather than eliminate a particular service altogether. The challenge will be to identify what cuts will do the least harm. Most services are considered optional including things like glasses, prosthetics, and hospice. DMA was going to send out a RFP for Medicaid transportation. DSS Directors and transportation providers were able to convince DMA to slow down and give some thought to whatever the issues were for them. DMA states the error rate in this program is a big problem. However this has never been shared with DSS nor what type of errors are occurring. DMA is to present what it is they want and how they want it administered. If DSS is unable to address their concerns, then DMA will send out the RFP. According to 1915i all Medicaid recipients in Adult Care Homes must be assessed by the end of February regarding personal care services. This would require an assessment of approximately 2400 people statewide. The decision has not been made yet regarding who is responsible for conducting these assessments. Some think it would be less costly to contract with a private provider. This might be true for the first year but it is unlikely this would hold true over time.