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case study:
Financial Administration and Support Brokerage Services for a Medicaid Waiver Program in Tennessee
THE PPL APPROACH Along with The Arc, the PPL team provided services including • Statewide launch of PPL services with on-site consumer information sessions to explain the transition, program requirements, and tax requirements to consumers, their employees, and their representatives; • Development of program rules with DIDD and IT staff members;
THE CLIENT
• Enforcement of state and federal program requirements;
Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD)
• Configuration of PPL information technology platforms to fit the state’s unique program requirements;
THE PROJECT
• Development of materials and processes to support program participants;
Financial administration and supports brokerage services to individuals participating in the Self-Determination waiver program. “I like being able to chose who I want to hire and fire and be empowered to have control over my services. I like being the boss and responsible one.” -Self-directing consumer in Tennessee “I can continue to live my life style without any ongoing stress and be able to be with family and a familiar environment that I am accustomed to.” -Self-directing consumer in Tennessee
• Customization of reports to fit the state’s program requirements; • Monthly meetings and quarterly on-site meetings with the state to improve program efficiency; and • Electronic timesheets and 24/7 Web-based access to the system for case managers, consumers, providers, and supports brokers.
THE RESULT • Since January 2007, the number of consumers in the program has increased by 350% from 89 to more than 400 consumers. Although the waiver is closed to new participants, the program continues to grow each month by about 5 participants. • On average, PPL customer service staff members field 900 calls per month. • TennCare, the state’s Medicaid agency, used this program as a model for a new waiver program for elders.
THE OPPORTUNITY The Self-Determination waiver self direction program was implemented in 2006 and because of its popularity DIDD anticipated that the program would double in size within a year. The state of Tennessee sought a vendor with experience managing similar large projects and also needed a contractor that could provide statewide support brokerage. In January 2007, DIDD awarded PCG Public Partnerships, LLC (PPL) a three-year contract (with two option years) to provide fiscal administration services and supports brokerage services to individuals participating in the self-direction portion of the SelfDetermination waiver. PPL subcontracted with The Arc of Tennessee, and together we developed a system specific to the state’s needs.
• Estimated savings to DIDD of $1.5 million over traditional agency services. • Vital employment of over 300 FTEs providing personal care services. • 97% of consumers report good or excellent satisfaction with the program. • DIDD exercised two option years for the program.
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