Indiana Family to Family

Caregiver Support Services application process The Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services, Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services would like to announce that Caregiver Support Services funds are now available for the state fiscal year 2020. The purpose of Caregiver Support Services is to provide short-term relief for the primary caregiver to the extent state funds are available during fiscal year 2020 (i.e., July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020). Caregiver Support Services may be approved and accessed to: an individual that meets the state definition of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities level of care  and the primary caregiver selects an eligible provider. Please note: Caregiver Support Services will not be available to the primary caregiver if the individual is receiving  or begins to  receive similar services from any other State or Medicaid funded program. The Caregiver Support Services is 100% state funded and is available on a first-come, first-ser

Notice of public hearing – Section 115 demonstration waiver amendment In accordance with 42 CFR §431.408, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration will be holding public hearings on its Section 1115 demonstration waiver amendment that will be submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Through this amendment, FSSA is seeking federal authority to reimburse for acute inpatient stays in institutions for mental disease for individuals diagnosed with a serious mental illness or serious emotional disturbances. This request is part of broader efforts within the FSSA to ensure a comprehensive continuum of behavioral health services and is intended to improve access to acute care for Medicaid enrollees with SMI and SED. The proposed effective date of the amendment is January 1, 2020, pending CMS approval. Hearings will be held as follows: Tuesday, July 30, 2019 Indiana State Government Center South Conference Room C 302 West Washington St. Indianapolis, IN

from FSSA: On My Way Pre-K now enrolling children in all 92 Indiana counties Eligible families can enroll children at no charge to help prepare for kindergarten and beyond INDIANAPOLIS – As the 2019/2020 school year approaches, more than half the available slots have been filled for Indiana’s state-sponsored On My Way Pre-K program. Right now Hoosier children and their families are getting connected with high-quality providers in their area, as state law recently expanded the program statewide. Low-income families are encouraged to act quickly to see if they are eligible for On My Way Pre-K for their 4-year-old children as soon as August. On My Way Pre-K has served approximately 8,000 eligible families at no charge to them to help prepare young Hoosiers for kindergarten. “Our research tells us that On My Way Pre-K children make higher gains than their peers in important aspects of school readiness such as language comprehension, early literacy, executive functioning and a redu

From Community Catalyst: Protecting Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions, Expanding Medicaid and Holding Congress Accountable The August recess is an excellent opportunity for state and community advocates and their partners to communicate directly with their members of Congress, the public and the media. We must keep up the pressure and highlight what is at stake for the future of Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and the overall health system. Events • Attend Members of Congress’ Events – If members are planning public events in your region, it is critical that constituents attend town hall meetings and public forums to voice their opinions on health care. Use talking points and personal stories at public meetings to get your message across, and take the opportunity to ask questions of legislators. Here are a few sample questions to get you started: • What have you, Representative XX, done to protect consumers, particularly those with pre-existing health condition

Work Incentives Work Incentives make it easier for people with disabilities to work and still receive medical benefits and, in some cases, cash benefits from Social Security. Work Incentives can help you through the transition to work and financial independence. Work Incentives and the Ticket to Work Program Work Incentives make it possible for you to explore work while still receiving benefits. They are designed to help you succeed! You may be able to keep your Medicaid/Medicare while you work. You have access to individualized support services. You can try work with confidence, knowing you may be able to keep some or all of your benefits during your transition period. Social Security has many Work Incentives designed to fit your individual situation. For more information about all of Social Security’s Work Incentives and how they can work for you, check out  The Red Book – A Guide to Work Incentives . Here are examples of some of the Work Incentives that may