CPI Newsletter: April 2023
Greetings,
Spring has finally arrived, bringing with it a sense of hope and new possibilities.
As we enter this revitalizing season, we find ourselves in a significantly improved situation regarding COVID-19 compared to the last three years.
While the virus still lingers and can cause long-term health issues for some individuals, vaccination efforts have successfully contributed to better control and reduced risk of severe outcomes. As a result, many aspects of life are fully returning to their pre-pandemic state, including the regulations that govern our program and services. On May 11th, the federal government will terminate the public health emergency (PHE) status, and as a result, many allowances will also end. I want to shed some light on these anticipated changes. As we navigate these changes, our team remains committed to maintaining flexibility and retaining the improvements that emerged during the pandemic. We will continue to utilize virtual meeting platforms like Zoom for certain gatherings, while transitioning back to in-person attendance for specific plan-related matters. Our primary focus is on providing quality services in a manner that best meets the needs of those we support. As always, we will strive for a seamless transition. Please see below for some changes we are expecting to take place starting in May.
Here is a list of pandemic-related allowances that we know will end on May 11th:
Remote video calls for assessment meetings, like the level of care and Oregon Needs Assessment. These will need to be completed in person, although they can be completed at a distance.
Ability to refuse a home visit when receiving paid supports in the home.
Verbal consent to authorize services (plans and service agreements). These will again need to be signed. Oregon Developmental Disability Services is working on a plan to allow the use of DocuSign. We will provide updates as we learn more.
Redetermination of Medicaid services without a formal meeting and required documentation. Everyone who is receiving Medicaid and Medicaid services (like the services in the ISP) will need to go through a Medicaid Redetermination through the state. Even if you just went through this, after May 11th, you will again need to go through the process. *Keep reading for more detailed information later in the newsletter.
Additionally, wearing face masks will no longer be required l starting April 3rd, unless a customer pr guardian requests that we wear one or if staff chooses to continue doing so.
We will add updated information to our website. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.
Jennifer Santiago
Executive Director
Medicaid Redetermination - What you need to know
During the COVID-19 pandemic, most Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members kept their medical and other benefits even if they had a change in their life, such as a temporary change in income, or if they did not respond to a renewal request. This was because of temporary policy changes under the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), which will now be ending on May 11, 2023. In preparation for these changes, Oregon will start reviewing eligibility of all people receiving OHP/Medicaid benefits and will be sending out renewal notices to recipients. The letters will tell you the next steps that you will need to take to keep your medical benefits. *Reminder that for many people the services you receive from Community Pathways are tied to your OHP medical benefits.
For some people, the state may need more information to see if you still qualify for OHP or other benefits, including services and supports for people with disabilities and older adults, and help paying Medicare costs. If the state can’t reach you, you could lose your benefits, even if you still qualify.
This redetermination process will happen for everyone on OHP even if you recently went through a redetermination process. Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has warned that some people may end up going through this process twice.
This is what you can do to prepare for your upcoming OHP/Medicaid Redetermination:
• Keep your contact information up to date – Make sure ODHS has your current mailing address, phone number, email or other contact information using the link below. This way, the state will be able to contact you about your benefits. Find options for updating your contact information online, by phone, or in person at Oregon.gov/OR-benefit-changes.
• Check your mail – The state (ODHS) will contact you by mail if they need more information from you. A letter will let you know if you need to complete a renewal form to see if you still qualify for OHP or other benefits.
• Respond to information requests and submit renewal forms right away, if you get them – Responding to information requests and filling out and submitting renewal forms right away will help you avoid a gap in your benefits. If you need help and would like someone else to be able to talk with ODHS about your benefits, you may assign an authorized representative who can be a family member or friend you choose to help you.
• Understand the timelines for renewing your OHP/Medicaid benefits –
Initial Renewal Notice mailed out between April 2023 and January 2024.
Reminder Notice mailed out 60 days after Initial Notice.
Second Reminder Notice mailed out 30 days after first Reminder Notice.
Renewal period will end 30 days after Second Reminder Notice was mailed out if you have not responded to any of the notices.
60-day period of continued benefits begins where you will still keep your benefits but need to respond to the renewal notices you already received.
OHP/Medicaid benefits end after the 60-day period of continued benefits concludes.
90-day reconsideration period begins where you no longer have benefits, but you do not need to complete a new application if you contact ODHS to start your OHP/Medicaid benefits up again.
After this, a new application will need to be submitted if you want to receive medical benefits again.
The simplest and easiest way to make sure there are no delays or loss of service is to respond to the requests from Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) as soon as possible. Remember, you can contact your PA if you have any further questions about how to complete the redetermination of your OHP/Medicaid benefits. We are here to help!
Customer Satisfaction Surveys
To those of you who have returned your completed customer satisfactions surveys, thank you so much! If you haven't filled out your survey, it's not too late. After completing the survey, put it in the self-addressed stamped envelope and send it to us by April 11th. We value your feedback. This information is used to let us know how we're doing and what we can do better.
PA Profile: Alexa Bazzi
Can you tell us about your journey with the I/DD field?
My journey into the I/DD field really stemmed from a desire to pivot toward helping folks in the community and pulling from my earliest experience in Human Services and trying to find my way back to it in one way or another. I worked as a DSP with a couple kiddos when I was in college and it was the thing that convinced me that social work was the right field for me. In college, I pivoted more toward work within the criminal justice system and that was the area I found myself starting my career in. I got my first position inside the Department of Corrections teaching parenting classes to dads at Columbia River Correctional Institution. During my time in the prison system, I held a variety of roles mostly centered around case management for incarcerated parents and their kids, as well as release and transition planning as they were getting ready to reunite with their families. I loved my job, but prison is intense and I desperately needed a change. Working in conjunction with systems that have a bunch of red tape is frustrating but rewarding when you can help people navigate it, and being back in the community assisting folks with I/DD live fulfilling lives felt like the right “full circle” kind of fit.
If you could have dinner with any famous person (dead or alive), who would it be and why?
Oprah Winfrey. Hands down. End of story. My friends and family know I have a borderline concerning love for her. In fact, one of the most thoughtful and funny gifts I’ve ever received was from my partner this last Christmas. He Photoshopped & forged her signature on a picture and framed it for me so I could have an autographed picture of her in our new apartment. I may or may not have cried when I opened it. I have no shame about it.
What are some of your favorite things to do outside of work?
I really love to get outside and get together with friends. I would love to find more outside winter hobbies because I tend to hunker down, but in the spring/summer/fall I am always out paddle boarding, hiking, wine tasting, swimming, etc. I also really enjoy playing pickup basketball with anyone that’ll join me, planning out road trips and listening to some favorite podcasts.
What are some things you’re looking forward to right now?
Speaking of spring, I am really looking forward to the change in seasons and the fun summer plans that I have. I also have a new baby nephew that was born just a couple days ago so I’m really looking forward to snuggling my new little buddy.
What is one non-work related goal that you want to achieve in the next year?
I want to start enjoying cooking and get better at it so I want to try a new dinner recipe once a week. I’m so lazy about cooking and get so bored with it. So spicing it up by trying new yummy things might help kick start cooking into becoming a new hobby.
Board Game Night at CPI on Thursday, March 23rd
We had our first Board Game Night since the pandemic and we had a great time! We played Cards Against Profanity which is like Cards Against Humanity, but rated G. There were nine of us total and we’re hoping even more of you will join us for the next Board Game Night on Thursday, May 18th. The flyer is below. Just RSVP to your PA or to info@communitypath.org. There will be snacks!
Look at these card sharps! I couldn’t resist changing the setting of this photo to an old-timey saloon. Don’t they look right at home?
Upcoming Information Fair
CPI will be there.
Zoe’s Favorite Oatmeal Cranberry Cookie Recipe
From www.modernhoney.com
Soft chewy brown sugar oatmeal cookies with sweetened dried cranberries. A chewy and hearty oatmeal cookie that everyone will love!
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 9 mins
Servings 24
Equipment
1 mixer
1 baking sheet
1 parchment paper baking sheets
1 measuring cups and spoons
1 turner
1 spatula set
1 cookie scoop
Ingredients
1 cup Butter (cut into cubes)
1 cup + 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
⅔ cup Sugar
2 large Eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla
2 ¼ cup Flour
1 ½ cup Rolled Oats
½ teaspoon Cornstarch
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
½ teaspoon Salt
2 cups Sweetened Dried Cranberries
Instructions
Preheat oven to 365 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and sugar for 4 minutes or until light and fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl halfway through to ensure even mixing.
Add eggs and vanilla and cream for 1 minute longer.
Stir in flour, rolled oats, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Fold in dried cranberries.
Drop onto a light-colored baking sheet. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until edges starts to turn a light golden color. Don't overbake.
Holiday Closures
Memorial Day - Monday, May 29
Juneteenth - Monday, June 19