July 2010
Executive Directors Meeting
The 4AM/OSA Executive Directors Meetings were held on June 9, 2010. The next
meetings are scheduled for August 10, 2011.
At the 4AM meeting, Betsy Weihl, 4AM lobbyist, updated the group regarding the
FY-11 budget; it is in a holding pattern; there is a $340 million shortfall from
the general fund that needs to be addressed; there is a surplus in the school
aid fund for consideration; and there are no proposals on the floor regarding
these issues. In the political arena, the following MDCH Conference Committee
members were named: Senator Roger Kahn (Chair), Senator John Pappageorge,
Senator Deb Cherry, Representative Gary McDowell, Representative George
Cushingberry, and Representative Kevin Green. Betsy stated that advocacy is
necessary regarding no more cuts to the OSA budget and there is a need to
support raising revenues and for closing tax loopholes.
Mary Ablan, 4AM Director, gave a brief overview of the Older Michiganians Day (OMD)
agenda and stated there are additional meal tickets available if needed. Mary
said that the 4AM Annual Conference was well attended, she heard positive
feedback and suggestions for future improvement, and informed Directors that
next year’s conference will again be at the Kellogg Center on May 25 & 26, 2011.
Discussion was also held regarding MMAP, Assisted Living, and Retreat Planning.
The meeting concluded with a roundtable update from all the directors regarding
their ADRC initiatives.
At the OSA Directors meeting, Sharon Gire, OSA Director, had Sally Steiner give
an update on Legislative issues. Director Gire indicated she participated in
several events during the past month; OSA is currently having a performance
audit; she participated in an AARP Nationwide Webinar on Seniors, Hunger &
Poverty and would share her notes with us; the legal services operating
standards are being revised; and she informed the group that Holliace Spencer
had been temporarily assigned to develop a strategic plan, which will include
conference and trainings that will focus on Economic Development. This will
assist the AAA’s in researching solutions for possible additional funding
opportunities.
There was a presentation by Mary Ablan regarding Older Michiganian’s Day which
indicated that an estimated attendance of this year’s OMD event will be around
600+. Mary also spoke about the donut hole checks being sent out and to alert
our senior population to be aware of potential scams that are popping up. Mary
stated if the person is in the donut hole they will automatically receive a
check.
Other discussion took place on the ADRC and Community Living Program
initiatives.
Information & Assistance/MMAP/Marketing
I & A continues to see increased walk-ins. The Agency is working on setting up
two new PATH consumer workshop sessions and our new intern, from SVSU, is
working with our MMAP department. The three Senior Health & Fitness Days events
went well and the attendees enjoyed all the information and activities. Forty
seven (47) advocates from the Region VII area consisting of staff, clients,
Advisory & Board Members, and several of our service providers attended OMD
advocating on the behalf of our elderly and disabled population.
Program Development
The FY-2011 RFP is underway and the FY-11 Annual Implementation Plan has been
completed. Other initiatives being developed/explored are the VA Home and
Community Based Services, Savvy Caregiver Program and continued ADRC
development.
Waiver/Care Management Department
The MI Choice Waiver continues to be on target and the NFT transitions continue
to rise. Many staff and WA clients attended the OMD event.
Fiscal Department
The Fiscal Department continues to implement the new Financial Edge accounting
system software and is still working out minor issues with the system.
Other March Meetings/Trainings Attended by Staff
OMD (Kerry W, Kristina R, Annette J, Stacy L, Rochel G, Angela B)
Community Living Program Training (Drew O, Kerry W, Barb Morin, Kristina R,
Angie D)
SCSEP Quarterly Mtg. (Carol G)
Three (3) Senior Health and Fitness Day Events (Kristina R, Annette J, Kristi B)
MMAP Conference, ARC Mtg., Bad Axe Library Presentation (Kristi B)
Waiver Director Mtg. (Kerry W)
Huron, Sanilac Fairs, Health Care Reform Mtg., R7- Presentations in Caro & Mt.
Pleasant, Saginaw Co.
Picnic (Kristina R)
Gladwin Co. HSCC & Sanilac Co. Senior Council Mtg., Isabella Co. State
Retirement & Tuscola Co.
Retired School Personnel Presentations, Bay Metro Transit Special Services
Committee Mtg., Tuscola
County Fair, The E. Central LTC task force in Saginaw Co. (Annette J)
Remember to visit the Region VII web site on a regular basis.
www.region7aaa.org
June 2010
Executive Directors Meeting
The 4AM/OSA Executive Directors Meetings were held on May 11, 2010. The next
meetings are scheduled for June 8, 2011.
At the 4AM meeting, Betsy Weihl, 4AM lobbyist, updated the group regarding the
FY-11 budget and reported that the legislature is still conferencing on the
Teacher and Retiree packages with anticipation for resolve by July 1st. The
House budget panel, via SB 1152 (H-1) Draft 1, has recommended no further cuts
in programs funded by OSA for 2011. The Bill also included a $14 million
increase for the MI Choice Waiver (WA), bringing the total 2011 funding to $190
million. The Senate had already recommended $196 million for 2011 WA funding.
She also reported that general fund revenue was down an additional $80 million
bringing the deficit to $244 million, whereby, future cuts may be necessary. In
the political arena it appears that the Republicans are gaining momentum in the
gubernatorial race.
Mary Ablan, 4AM Director, announced again that the June 10th Older Michiganians
Day (OMD) platform has been finalized and meal tickets are available for pickup.
She reminded the Directors that the OMD platform is to protect services for the
most vulnerable, invest in prevention programs that work and save money, make
Michigan a retirement destination of choice, and close tax loopholes, reform
government, and restructure taxes to raise needed state revenue. Discussion was
also held regarding the Independent License Services, the Generations Magazine
participation, N4A updates, MSAC activities, and the selection of a date of the
Executive Directors Retreat this fall.
At the OSA Directors meeting, Sharon Gire, OSA Director, updated the group on
the 2011 budget issues and indicated that Health Care Reform is moving forward.
Ms. Gire also stated: DCH will be conducting an intense OSA performance audit
that may involve a selection of AAA’s as well; the Detroit Free Press is working
with her on a series of articles they will be writing soon; the OSA budget has
been presented to the House and Senate; several Elder Abuse Task Force bills
have passed the Senate & House committees and there’s more to come; and everyone
is being asked to continue budget advocacy efforts.
A presentation for free cell phones for low-income seniors was conducted by
Assurance Wireless which will offer 200 free minutes to persons who are eligible
based on household income or who are receiving public assistance. Any interested
individual should contact their local AAA’s for more information.
Another presentation was conducted by DTE Energy Company & CMS Energy regarding
their GateKeeper Programs. It was also noted that SEMCO Energy will be
participating in the GateKeeper Program soon.
Other OSA staff updated the group on the CLP (formally the Nursing Home
Diversion Program).
Information & Assistance/MMAP/Marketing
I & A continues to see increased walk-ins and an ADRC presentation aired on Bay
3-TV. The Agency completed its first PATH consumer workshop sessions in
coordination with Bay Behavioral Health. The Agency has an intern from SVSU
working with the MMAP department. The Agency will be presenting three Senior
Health & Fitness Days events: June 1 at the Bad Axe Senior Center, June 2 at the
Bay City Riverside Senior Center, and June 3 at Gladwin Antler Arms Senior
Center.
Program Development
The FY-09 provider assessments are completed and the FY-2011 RFP is underway.
The FY-11 Annual Implementation Plan is nearing completion for final review and
comment by the Advisory Board and County Commissioners, before Board approval.
Waiver/Care Management Department
The MI Choice Waiver continues to be on target and the Residential Licensed
Services (RLS) staff has done an excellent job in increasing our NFT
transitions. The WA Quality Assurance audit was completed, and due to our
excellent WA staff, we received a 95.88% compliance rating.
Fiscal Department
The Fiscal Department continues to implement the new Financial Edge accounting
system software and is still working out minor issues with the system.
Other March Meetings/Trainings Attended by Staff
4AM Annual Conference (Drew O, Stacey D, Annette J, Carol G, Kristina R, Kristi
B, Angie D,
Barbara R, Shannon S, Angela B, Ellie J, Melissa U, Kayla G )
MMAP SMP Meeting (Kristi B)
Waiver Director Mtg., (Kerry W)
Annual Geriatric Conference (Kristina R, Annette J)
Midland Manor Presentation, Pineview Senior Fair, P.A.S.S Mtgs. (Kristina R)
Mental Health & Aging (Presenter) & Synergy Caregiver Conference’s, ADRC Mtgs,
Disability
Network Mtg., BCATS Transportation Plan Input Session, Bay Co. HSCC Mtg.
(Annette J)
Remember to visit the Region VII web site on a regular basis.
www.region7aaa.org
May 2010
Executive Directors Meeting
The 4AM Executive Directors Meeting was held on April 13, 2010. Betsy Weihl
updated the group regarding the FY-11 budget and she reported that the
legislature seems to be in a stalemate and will most likely jury rig a temporary
budget and not work on it again until after the fall elections. Betsy also
commended the group for the advocacy for the MI Choice Waiver, which resulted in
a $10 million increase in funding.
Mary Ablan announced again that the Older Michiganians Day (OMD) platform has
been finalized and the number of tickets will be increased this year to allow
for more participation. The platform is to protect services for the most
vulnerable, invest in prevention programs that work and save money, make
Michigan a retirement destination of choice, and close tax loopholes, reform
government, and restructure taxes to raise needed state revenue. Mary also
reminded the group to get in their registrations for the 4AM 23rd Annual
Conference. This year’s theme is “Age Strong! Live Long!” and there will be
great vendor participation again this year.
The MOU agreement from Independent License Services (ILS) with the Area Agency
on Aging Association was discussed and the group suggested additional wording to
be considered before the agreement is signed. The MOU is not a binding agreement
for individual AAA’s and ILS will seek individual contracts with each
participating AAA. ILS clients will receive specific tools and skills that are
reinforced by a “transition coach” (an AAA nurse, social worker, or trained
volunteer) who follows the client across settings for the first four weeks after
leaving the hospital and focuses on medication self-management, the use of a
client-centered health record that helps guide clients through the care process,
working with a primary care provider and specialist follow-up, and the clients
understanding of “red flag” indicators of worsening conditions and the
appropriate next steps.
There was no OSA Directors meeting this month due to other scheduled meetings
regarding the Aging Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and MMAP.
The ADRC’s will be composed of partnerships that will be required to meet state
established criteria ADRC’s will be empowered to customize processes that meet
the unique needs of consumers within their communities which emphasizes a no
wrong door approach for consumers to navigate the full range of long term care
support options according to their cultures, values, and preferences. The ADRC
will provide person-centered planning, comprehensive information and assistance,
appropriate referrals, follow-up, and seamless access on available long term
support options.
The MMAP meeting was held to discuss the nine revised CMS performance benchmarks
for the SHIP’s and Michigan’s MMAP’s current and future progress toward meeting
those benchmarks. Prior year detailed reports were distributed that indicated
the states performance measures for the period January 1, 2009 through December
31, 2009. Overall, Michigan is below the national averages in most of the nine
benchmarks, especially in the rural areas. CMS will be sharing the strategies of
other states which are well above the national average benchmarks in hopes that
it will assist the Michigan MMAP to reach or exceed their average performance
goals.
Information & Assistance/MMAP/Marketing
I & A continues to see increased walk-ins and MMAP volunteer trainings are
underway. I&A staff will be attending Community Living Program (CLP) trainings
in June. Region VII is currently holding its first PATH consumer workshop
sessions in coordination with Bay Behavioral Health.
Program Development
The FY-09 provider assessments are continuing and the FY-11 AIP process is
nearing completion with a final draft coming out within the next month.
Waiver/Care Management Department
The MI Choice Waiver continues to be on target and the WA/CM staff has attended
the CLP trainings.
Fiscal Department
The Fiscal Department continues to implement the new Financial Edge accounting
system software and the Agency’s annual audit has been concluded and there were
no findings.
Other March Meetings/Trainings Attended by Staff
MMAP Contract Meeting (Drew O, Lisa P, Kristi B)
Title V – Host Agency Meeting (Carol G, Sue G)
Waiver Director Mtg., Center for Information Management Mtg. (Kerry W)
Midland County Job Fair (Carol G)
Midland Manor Presentation, ADRC Presentation-Synergy, ICCoA, ADRC Lansing Mtg.
(Kristina R)
MMAP Informational Mtg., OSA-CMS Mtg., Saginaw Caregiver Support Group Mtg.
(Kristi B)
AIP Public Input Sessions (Drew O, Stacey D, Annette J)
Huron Co Senior Task Force, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Midland, Gratiot HHSC/CC
Meetings (Annette J)
Remember to visit the Region VII web site on a regular basis.
www.region7aaa.org
April 2010
Executive Directors Meeting
The OSA and 4AM Executive Directors Meetings were held on March 9, 2010. Betsy
Weihl updated the group regarding the FY-11 budget, that the cuts proposed by
the Governor may exceed 8% and that no further budget cuts for FY-10 are being
discussed; that the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Hearings will be
completed by the end of March and forwarded to the house for review and approval
by July 1, 2010; and that there is hope for additional federal dollars being
allocated to support Title III-B Supportive Services, Title III-E, and the
National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP).
Mary Ablan announced that the Older Michiganian Day (OMD) platform has been
finalized and the number of tickets will be increased this year to allow for
more participation. The platform is to protect services for the most vulnerable;
to invest in prevention programs that work and save money; to make Michigan a
retirement destination of choice; and to close tax loopholes, reform government,
and restructure taxes to raise needed state revenue. Mary also reminded the
group to look for the 4AM 23rd Annual Conference materials that will be sent out
shortly. The conference theme is to “Age Strong! Live Long!” and that the
conference will be held at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in Lansing on
May 18th & 19th.
Guest speaker Frank Burns, from Independent License Services (ILS) presented
information regarding Care Transitions, that the Coleman Care Transitions
Intervention (CTI) model is being utilized in California. That this model can
reduce hospital re-admission rates and be adapted to community programs. CTI is
a four-week process that encourages patients to take a more active role in their
health care. Patients receive specific tools and skills that are reinforced by a
“transition coach” (a nurse, social worker, or trained volunteer) who follows
patients across settings for the first four weeks after leaving the hospital and
focuses on medication self-management, the use of a patient-centered health
record that helps guide patients through the care process, working with a
primary care provider and specialist follow-up, and the patient’s understanding
of “red flag” indicators of worsening condition and the appropriate next steps.
The intent of ILS is to contract with the AAA’s in performing the roll of the
transition coach.
At the OSA Directors meeting, Sharon Gire, OSA Director, provided an update on
the FY-11 budget situation and the need for advocacy in support of the
Governors’ proposed OSA 8% budget cut and asked for input on how to handle the
budget issue regarding what, if any, reductions the AAA’s would include on their
Annual Implementation Plan (AIP). A final consensus was to build a range base
for an 8-12% budget cut into the AIP’s and increase/decrease the amounts on any
carryovers once the legislature has approved the final budget cuts.
Other OSA staff members reported on the ARRA expenditure reporting requirements,
Long Term Care Section Work including Grant Project Action Teams, and LTC
Advisory Commission updates.
Information & Assistance/MMAP/Marketing
I & A continues to see increased walk-ins and MMAP volunteer trainings are
underway. Staff is continuing to educate seniors regarding the completion of
their 2010 Census forms. I&A staff will be attending Community Living Program (CLP)
trainings in June.
Program Development
The FY-09 provider assessments are continuing and the FY-11 AIP process is
nearing completion with three input sessions being held throughout our ten
county area in April.
Waiver/Care Management Department
The MI Choice Waiver continues to be on target and the WA/CM staff have attended
CLP trainings in March.
Fiscal Department
The Fiscal Department continues to implement the new Financial Edge accounting
system software and the Agency’s annual audit has been scheduled to begin on
April 5, 2010.
Other March Meetings/Trainings Attended by Staff
CLP Leadership Training (Drew O, Lisa P, Kerry W, Barb M and Yvonne Corbat)
CLP CM Training (Waiver and Care Management Staff)
Residential License Service (RLS) Trainings (Kerry W, and RLS staff)
Title-V quarterly and MMAP refresher meeting (Carol G)
MMAP refresher and resource community meeting, PATH and MMAP training (Kristi B)
OSA All Star Meeting (Lisa P, Stacey D, Pete H)
Annual Disability Symposium; Huron Co Senior Task Force; Bay, Clare/Gladwin,
Midland, Gratiot HHSC Meetings; ADRC presentation (Pete H.)
Census Pres.; MMAP refresher; ADRC Info Session; 50+ Delta meetings and
Emergency Presentation at Midland Manor (Kristina R)
Remember to visit the Region VII web site on a regular basis.
www.region7aaa.org