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1. DMA estimates that current-year county costs will be lower than estimated
in February 2003. The increase in the number of eligibles has been less than
earlier projected. It appears on average that counties will have FY03 costs
around 9% above FY02 costs. Counties should be aware there is a backlog of
claims awaiting processing. June expenses will be unusually large. DMA did
not promise that revised estimates of county requirements for FY04 will be
provided before most county budgets must be set.
2. There has been a change in deadlines for the FY03 closeout. Now, June 16
will be the last date inter-fund adjustments can be requested, and 1571's
must be submitter by June 17. (The Controller has been given an earlier-than-anticipated
closeout deadline. Hence the change.)
3. The change over to our new EBT vendor, E-funds, will be done over the Easter
weekend, and the system will be down from 6:30 pm on 4-19 through 3:30 am
on 4-20. Recipients will receive notices. Costs will be lower than with the
current vendor.
4. A change in the SCSA Program will move some costs from SCSA expense to
Medicaid expense under the PCS program. Capturing Medicaid revenues is anticipated
to save costs for the state and the counties of about $5 million each as proposed
to the General Assembly. The rest home industry is expected to argue for reinvestment
of the savings in payments to rest homes. Also, a rate increase costing the
state and the counties $3 million each is proposed in the General Assembly.
5. Some counties have been concerned with the rapid increase in costs for
PCS. DMA indicates the 30% per year increases have been from in-home providers
rather than institutions. DMA observed that no doctor's order is currently
required for this service, and that case management is not required in relation
to recipients.
6. DCD reported the current spending coefficient is 94%. In relation to funding
for FY04, priority will be given to assuring adequate funding to counties
initially allocated less than their rate of spending at the end of 03' would
indicate they will need for FY04.
1. (2:00 pm) State budget proposals. Dan Hudgins, Durham Co. DSS Director
and Chair of the Association's Advocacy Committee will discuss up to date
information.
2. (2:30 pm) Changes in funding arrangements for the State-County Special Assistance Program. DHHS Controller Gary Fuquay will discuss the plan to shift some SA costs to Medicaid.
3. Discussion of the change in the EBT Program to E-funds. (Gary Fuquay)
4. (3:00 pm) Overview and impacts of changes in the Child Day Care market rates. Reallocation of Child Day Care subsidy Funds. Update on progress with issues in Day Care Fraud. (Nancy Guy, Division of Child Development)
5. TANF spending to date and reallocation plans.
6. Update on Medicaid costs for FY03 and thoughts on FY04. Spending for PCS in adult care homes. (DMA staff invited)
7. Other.
