Question and Answer Session Notes, October 10, 2015
Special Guest: Krissie Summerhays, Executive Director of
EnVision Quality Supports
Krissie is an independent
contractor and her company contracts with the Utah State Government to help
administer Medicaid waiver services to individuals. For example when someone is
accepted in DSPD and is finally off the waiting list they pick Envision Quality
Supports (or another contractor) to manage their case and help them receive the
services they need.
DSPD--- What is it?
Division of Services for People with Disabilities
What does DSPD provide?
- Respite Services
- Certain kinds of Therapy
- Medicaid
- Group homes or daytime activities
- Employment Support
- Some medical supplies
Basically if you or your child
has significant physical and/or intellectual challenges DSPD will help you get
the services you need as a minor and an adult.
What should you know about DSPD?
- The waiting list is really long! On average it can take 3-7 years to get off the waiting list
- You have to apply and be accepted to get on the waiting list
- 85% get off the waiting list (start receiving services) based on their needs
- 15% get off the waiting list by being approved for respite only (but if you ask to receive respite only and are accepted you can get other services later, so that is a little trick to get off the waiting list earlier)
- You choose a social worker (independent contractor) to manage your case and services once you get off the list
- You can be on DSPD for life if you need to be.
- Always complete the annual waiting list survey or you could be dropped from the list.
- Apply now!!! http://dspd.utah.gov/eligibility/intake-process/
There are other Medicaid waiver programs too.
Medically Complex Medicaid is a
new pilot program. If your child has 3 system function problems they may qualify
for this program. But beware that there
is limited availability and the application deadline is October 29th,
2015. Go to this link:
Programs that Could Help Adults with 22Q
- Disability Medicaid
- Social Security (disability determination)
- Employments Services http://www.workabilityutah.org/healthcare/epas.php
- Supported living and Group Homes http://riseservicesinc.org/utah-cat/residential-services/independent-living/
What Qualifies as Respite Care?
- Mostly it is child care, it can be a child care provider of your choice who is willing to work at the DSPD rate or it can be a provider already approved.
- Some of the pre-approved providers offer special programs such as equine therapy or sports therapy programs or activities
-
Camp K http://www.campk.org/
- National Ability Center http://www.discovernac.org/
-SPLORE http://splore.org/
- Hozho Equine Therapy https://www.facebook.com/Hozho-Therapy-Services-1427565854188468/
- University of Utah U-Fit http://www.health.utah.edu/exercise-sport-science/u-fit/index.php
SPEAK UP!
If you would like to see DSPD offer just a Medicaid card or
expand the Medically Complex Medicaid program write to your legislator! Tell
them what individuals with special needs actually need.
Contact Krissie Summerhays
Envision Quality Supports
6364 S. Highland Drive, STE 105
801-209-1357
