Issue Summary:

Adult Day Care Rate Increase -The Association came to the Committee with DOA to request our support of a rate increase.   The last rate increase was in 1997.   The rates at that time went to $23 (DC) and $33(DH) daily plus transportation.   This doesn’t meet the cost and since January of 2002 there have been 10 facilities to close.   DOA study was done in 2001 and the Association is requesting a rate increase to be more in line with the findings ($31DC, $44 DH)   A special provision was placed in the Senate budget by Senator Holloman (Section 10.58) that allows the Social Services Commission to consider adopting a rate increase and any increase should be with existing funds.   The Association also has some interest in pursuing Medicaid funding when the use of Adult Day Care/Health could prevent institutional placement.   Having Centers available is important in the long term care continuum of services.

Mental Health Reform -Concerns remain with the plan about target populations and resources for the non-target population and DSS role in that.   APS General Statutes require assessment, etc. as a role for Mental Health and we had concerns about how that would be carried out as no reference in plan and already counties are seeing cost shifting.    Guardianship continues as a concern not recognized in the plan.   There are concerns about the use of Adult and Family Care Homes as resources for those in need of placement and the lack of preparation the homes have had to adequately serve.   There is also some desire expressed for some core case management services to be retained by the LME’s.   These concerns are to be shared with DMH/DD/SAS and we continue to urge a representative be on Department stakeholder group.

Position or Policy Recommendation for Board Action:

Adult Day Care:

•  Association will be in support of the special provision that allows the Commission to consider the issue.

•  Directors will research the issue locally with their Centers to become better informed before the issue gets to the Commission.

•  Invite Adult Day Care Association as a stakeholder to an Executive Board Meeting.