February 2011
Executive Directors Meeting
The 4AM/OSA AAA Directors Meetings were held on January 11, 2011 in Lansing. The
next meeting will be on February 8, 2011 in Lansing.
The main focus of the 4AM meeting was to interview two selected lobbyist firms
to represent our Association in related senior advocacy issues to our new
administration. Our current lobbyist firm Weiner and Associates, and Dodak &
Johnson Associates were both interviewed. After a somewhat lengthy discussion
and debate with each firm, the group decided to retain Weiner and Associates as
our primary lobbyist firm and to also retain Dodak & Johnson for a six (6) month
period. Each firm had merit for retention, and their individual abilities that
they have to offer will give our Association a very positive lobbyist approach
to our current legislative makeup.
Mary Ablan, 4AM Director, updated the group on the platform for the February 9,
2011 Legislative Luncheon and asked each AAA to send her their RSVP’s for
participation and reminded the group that Older Michiganian’s Day (OMD) is on
Wednesday, June 15, 2011.
At the OSA meeting, OSA Deputy Director Peggy Brey reported that she met with
Olga Dazzo, the newly appointed Department of Community Health Director, and
OSA’s Acting Director. Ms. Dazzo will attempt to attend the next OSA/AAA
Director’s meeting in February. Peggy stated that due to OSA staff retirements,
responsibilities have shifted and that notice of these responsibilities will be
sent out to the AAA Executive Directors within the next few months.
A Kinship Care presentation was conducted by Lynn Nee of the Kinship Care
Education Center which utilizes research to provide teaching, education and
outreach for communities, agencies and individuals involved in supporting
kinship families.
Other OSA staff updated the group on the Federal Funding Accountability
Transparency Act (FFATA); the ARRA PATH Grant; the ADRC initiative and the
Community Living Program (formerly Nursing Home Diversion).
Information & Assistance/MMAP
MMAP counselors were able to help many Part D enrollees and our 3rd quarter MMAP
report indicated that our percentages are well over the required 75% level.
Program Development/SCSEP
Initial Senior Advisory Group (SAG) meetings were held on January 26, 27 and 28.
The VD Home and Community Based Services contract has been signed and we have
already assessed several veterans for their service needs. We have received the
Savvy Caregiver Program grant funding and work sessions have been scheduled
already. The ADRC initiative continues to be a work in progress.
Waiver/Care Management Department
New WA supervisors have been selected. The new RN Supervisor is Rochel Genge and
the new SW Supervisor is Megan Kiser. Due to limited funding the WA waiting list
continues to grow with 400+ currently waiting for service.
Fiscal Department
The Fiscal Department has started its yearend closing and has a preliminary
FY-10 audit meeting with Yeo & Yeo on February 7, 2011 with the full audit to
begin the week of March 7, 2011.
Other January Meetings/Trainings Attended by Staff
WA/CM Directors Meeting (Kerry W)
VSHRM, PASS and PATH Meetings (Kristina R)
Clare ARC Mtg.; SCoA MMAP In-service; CRxSP (Community Prescription Support
Program) MIPPA Training (Kristi B)
Sanilac County Building Ties Collaborative Workgroup; Bay Co. HSCC Presentation;
overview of
Region 7 services to the new ARC Director; Huron Co. Senior Citizen Council;
Senior Services Savvy Caregiver Mtg.; 3 SAG Meetings; MMCAA Presentation; Huron
Service Provider Mtg. (Annette J)
Remember to visit the Region VII web site on a regular basis.
www.region7aaa.org
January 2011
Executive Directors Meeting
The 4AM/OSA AAA Directors Meetings were held on December 14, 2010 in Lansing.
The next meeting will be on January 11, 2011 in Lansing.
Betsy Weihl, 4AM Lobbyist, updated the group regarding the makeup of the Senate
committee members for next year; Senator Roger Kahn will chair Appropriations
and Senator John Moolenaar will chair the Appropriations Community Health
Subcommittee. Betsy stated that the Lame Duck session concluded with very little
activity and it will be very important to begin advocating on the behalf of our
seniors to the new legislators early next year.
Mary Ablan, 4AM Director, presented the 4AM goals and objectives for 2011:
• increase awareness and educate legislators about the functions and impact of
the aging network in planning, program development, access and LTC.
• develop strategies to ensure adequate funding to support and expand Home and
Community Based Services (HCBS) for the elderly and disabled.
• develop a comprehensive advocacy platform.
• establish an income tax check off and license plate to support HCBS by 2011.
• establish a public policy platform for Older Michiganians Day (OMD).
Mary also led discussion regarding 4AM’s drafted Transition Papers that will be
presented to Governor Snyder early next year and talked about key dates in 2011
to plan for:
• the Legislative Luncheon will by on Wednesday, February 9.
• the 4AM Annual Conference will be on Wednesday and Thursday, May 25 & 26.
• OMD will be on Wednesday, June 15.
At the OSA meeting, Director Gire stated that the emerging ADRC applications
were looked at and four were selected: South West, Western Wayne, UP ADRC and
the Detroit ADRC partnership, and noted the funding for these ADRC’s are through
the Option B Grant and intended to help define options counseling standards.
Director Gire also informed the group that she was interviewed on “Seniors and
Winter Safety” and also said her goodbyes to all and announced that there are
seven OSA staff retiring.
Other OSA staff updated the group on the ADRC initiative and the Community
Living Program (formerly Nursing Home Diversion).
Information & Assistance/MMAP
Part D enrollment has been very busy this year and our MMAP goals are being met.
Program Development/SCSEP
Work continues on the development and implementation of a community Senior
Advisory Group (SAG), the VD Home and Community Based Services, the Savvy
Caregiver Program, and ADRC initiative.
Waiver/Care Management Department
The FY-11 MI Choice Waiver contract has been signed and Kara Perez attended a
Savvy Caregiver Training that was held on December 15 & 16.
Fiscal Department
The Fiscal Department has started year end closing and will be scheduling their
FY-10 audit with Yeo & Yeo soon.
Other December Meetings/Trainings Attended by Staff
WA/CM Directors Meeting (Kerry W)
Sanilac County Commission Meeting (Annette J)
Remember to visit the Region VII web site on a regular basis.
www.region7aaa.org
December 2010
Executive Directors Meeting
The 4AM/OSA AAA Directors Meetings were held on November 9, 2010 in Lansing. The
next meeting will be on December 13, 2010 in Lansing.
Betsy Weihl, 4AM Lobbyist, updated the group regarding the makeup of the new
legislature; there will be 61 new members and the house will have 63 republicans
and 47 democrats and the senate will have 26 republicans (a supermajority) and
12 democrats. Betsy indicated that the new members will require a huge learning
curve in relationship to understanding OSA funded programs. She indicated that
there is still talk about Governor-elect Snyder reducing the current 18
governmental departments down to 8 or less, with no speculation at this time
what will happen with OSA. See your Associate Member News articles (in your
handouts) for newly appointed positions.
Jo Murphy, Executive Director of MMAP Inc., updated the group to where the AAA’s
are at with their MIPPA I funding and that the reprogramming of under spent
funds would be looked at in late November for redistribution to other AAA’s who
are over spending.
Mary Ablan, 4AM Director, spoke on key points related to the Snyder
administration and indicated a brief lame duck session is expected; the elder
abuse bills are still a priority but the chances are slim for any further action
this year; the third set of mailings for our candidate education campaign are
going out in November outlining in detail how AAA’s can help, with emphasis on
I&A and MMAP for seniors and also contained information about MSAC; and MSAC
members will soon be visiting their offices.
At the OSA meeting, Director Gire suggested with the new administration and
legislative leadership, there is good opportunity to make a business case for
aging services to them; there will be seven (7) OSA staff members retiring; and
the Governor-elect is suggesting the elimination of the small business tax and
replacing it with a profit tax, meaning an additional $1.5-6 billion in cuts.
Director Gire also gave a presentation on Health Care Reform and a brief
overview of the seven (7) new grants that OSA has received.
OSA staff updated the group on the ADRC initiative; OSA received 4 partnership
applications which are being considered for the ADRC Options Counseling Grant;
the new operating standards on the Nursing Home Diversion/Community Living
Program is under development; and the Person Centered Plan Train the Trainer
Program is being set for late November.
Information & Assistance/MMAP
Part D enrollment began on November 15th and the Agency is still looking into
conducting more PATH consumer workshop sessions. Congratulations to Kristi
Bueche, MMAP Manager, for becoming AIRS certified!
Program Development/SCSEP
Work continues on the development and implementation of a community Senior
Advisory Group (SAG), the VD Home and Community Based Services, the Savvy
Caregiver Program, and ADRC initiative. Region VII partnered with the Blue Water
CIL and sent out a proposal to become a Benefit and Outreach and Enrollment
Center for Huron, Sanilac and Tuscola County for seniors 65 years and older and
adults living with disabilities aged 21 and older. This grant is for two (2)
years in the amount of $130,000, with awards to be announced in late January
2011.
Waiver/Care Management Department
The FY-11 MI Choice Waiver contract has been received and the RLS staff is now
incorporated into the WA program. There are currently over 300 people on the MI
Choice waiting list.
Fiscal Department
The Fiscal Department is preparing information for year end and continues to
implement the new Financial Edge accounting system software. A recommendation
for the FY-10’s Auditor is being recommended at today’s board meeting.
Other November Meetings/Trainings Attended by Staff
NFT Conference – Lansing (Kerry W, Ellie J, Kayla G, Melissa U, Christine C,
Victoria F)
Nutrition Summit; Technical Assistance – CCSS; Repeat Assessments (Stacey D)
SAG Presentation on TV-3; VSHRM - Saginaw (Kristina R)
Huron Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Luncheon; Contract Agency Mtg. (Kerry W)
Blue Water CIL –ADRC, BEOC Mtg.; various county ADRC Mtg.’s; Gratiot Co. Senior
Council; R7 overview to 8 CAP; Huron Senior Council Mtg.; Midland Human Services
Collaborative Body Mtg.; OSA Hard Times 2/day Conference (Annette J)
Remember to visit the Region VII web site on a regular basis.
www.region7aaa.org
November 2010
Executive Directors Meeting
The 4AM/OSA AAA Director Retreat Meeting was held on October 12, 2010 at the OSA
office in Lansing. The next meeting will be on November 9, 2010 in Lansing.
Betsy Weihl, 4AM Lobbyist, updated the group regarding the Gubernatorial race;
campaigning is at the highest level; the state employee retirement policy is
still a big issue, with DHS having the largest group retiring; t there is fear
that the Democrats will lose house majority; and advocacy on the behalf of the
elderly and disabled will be extremely important to the new administration.
Jo Murphy, Executive Director of MMAP Inc., updated the group regarding the five
(5) grants that are being administered. Options on reaching MMAP benchmarks and
the fact that MMAP volunteer levels are down were discussed and that
reprogramming of some of the grant funds may be necessary.
At the OSA meeting, Director Gire held discussion regarding the transitioning of
OSA to the new administration and on Health Care Reform.
Peggy Brey, Deputy Director, discussed funding opportunities on Long-term Care
during these difficult economic times and updated the group regarding the
emerging ADRC’s.
OSA staff discussed data analysis and the need to identify our audience and what
they want; the new administration will be people that don’t particularly know
who we are and that they will be very driven by outcomes; and we should educate
the people that have influence with those people that hold the top positions at
the state levels, whereby, a work group will be organized to achieve this
purpose.
Information & Assistance/MMAP
Part D enrollment begins November 15th and the Agency is still conducting PATH
consumer workshop sessions. Kristi Bueche, MMAP Manager, underwent testing in
September to become AIRS certified as well.
Program Development/SCSEP
Work continues on the development of a community Senior Advisory Group (SAG).
Region VII continues to move forward on the VD Home and Community Based
Services, Savvy Caregiver Program, and ADRC initiative.
Waiver/Care Management Department
The FY-11 MI Choice Waiver contract has been received and the RLS staff are now
incorporated into the WA program. There are currently 300 people on the Mi
Choice waiting list.
Fiscal Department
The Fiscal Department is gearing up for year end and continues to implement the
new Financial Edge accounting system software. The RFP for the selection of a
FY-10 Auditor will go out shortly.
Other October Meetings/Trainings Attended by Staff
OSA All Star Meeting (Lisa P, Stacey D, Annette J)
ADRC Meeting – Sandusky (Drew O, Kristina R, Annette J)
Savvy Caregiver Meeting – Lansing (Drew O, Kerry W, Stacey D, Annette J)
Nutrition Provider Meeting (Stacey D)
MIPPA Training in the Thumb, MMAP 2-day State Coordinator Training (Kristi B)
2-Day Self Determination Training – Lansing (Kristina R, Angie D)
SCSEP Annual In-service (Carol G)
Great Lakes Bay Chronic Disease Coalition – Saginaw, ADRC presentation –
Midland, VSHRM at SVSU, Social Media Class, PATH workshops (Kristina R)
Agency with Choice Training (Kerry W, Barb M, Kara P)
Waiver Directors Mtg., Quality Care Mtg., LTC Issues Forum (Kerry W)
Alzheimer Association Mtg., Huron Senior Council Mtg., Bay Adult Protective
Services Task
Force, Parkinson’s Support Group Presentation, HSCB Presentation – Gladwin,
Midland Senior Expo, Tuscola County Expo, and ADRC presentation - Midland
(Annette J)
Remember to visit the Region VII web site on a regular basis.
www.region7aaa.org
October 2010
Executive Directors Meeting
The 4AM Executive Directors Annual Retreat was held on September 14, 2010 at the
Bayshore Resort in downtown Traverse City. The next meeting is the OSA Annual
Retreat on October 12, 2010 in Lansing.
Betsy Weihl, 4AM Lobbyist, updated the group regarding the Gubernatorial race;
Rick Snyder has a 24% lead at the poles; each candidate wants to have
face-to-face debates; for the most part, all offices are leaning towards the
Republicans; the legislature should look similar to what we currently have but
there will probably be a slow start to any legislative issues at the beginning
of next year. Also, discussion took place on the possibility of the new Governor
reducing the State’s Governmental Departments and what affect that will have on
OSA, and advocacy is needed to preserve the retention of a department on aging.
FY-11 budget issues are still a major concern. The DCH Conference Committee has
released its final decision’s: to increase the MI Choice WA funding by $8
million (a 4% increase), and to reduce OSA funding by $2.3 million (an 8%
decrease). OSA services/programs affected include meals-on-wheels, in-home
services, care management, caregiver supports and senior volunteer programs.
(See your September 20, 2010 Associate Member News for more details.)
Mary Ablan, 4AM Director, conducted general business: to accept nominations for
appointments for the MMAP Inc. Board of Directors and Medical Care Advisory
Council, presented the BCBSM rate request to means test the senior subsidy for
Medigap Legacy Policies, presented the FY 2011 4AM budget for approval, and
discussed the need for 4AM to become a member of The Michigan Consumers for
Healthcare Advancement Coalition, which was adopted.
Other discussion took place on creating the 2010 4AM Transition Report that will
be presented to the new State administration in 2011. A draft of the suggested
changes will be presented at a later date.
Information & Assistance/MMAP
I & A is gearing up for Part D enrollment sessions. The Agency is participating
in PATH consumer workshop sessions. It is with great pleasure to announce that
Kristina Rubis and Angie Dabrowski have been awarded the status of “Airs
Certified Information & Referral Specialist’s” from AIRS. Congratulations to the
both of them! Kristi Bueche, MMAP Manager, underwent testing in September to
become AIRS certified as well.
Program Development/SCSEP
Work continues on the development of a community Senior Advisory Group (SAG).
Region VII continues to move forward on the VD Home and Community Based
Services, Savvy Caregiver Program, and ADRC initiative. OSA conducted the SCSEP
assessment on 9/29/10.
Waiver/Care Management Department
The FY-11 MI Choice Waiver contract has not been finalized, whereby referrals
are temporarily being placed on a waiting list. The RLS staff will be
incorporated into the WA program contingent upon funding, and NFT’s continue to
rise.
Fiscal Department
The Fiscal Department is gearing up for year end and continues to implement the
new Financial Edge accounting system software. The RFP for the selection of a
FY-10 Auditor, will go out shortly.
Other September Meetings/Trainings Attended by Staff
OSA provider assessments/monitorings (Stacey D, Kerry W)
AIRS Certification Testing, Clare Area Resource Committee, MMAP Board & LTC
Mtg., MMAP
Recognition Event, MMAP Presentations to Maple Manor & Antler Arms Meal Sites
(Kristi B)
Parkinson’s Support Group - Auburn Library (Annette J, Kristina R)
PATH, Saginaw Community Mental Health – Energy Assistance, SCCoA Caregiver Expo
(Kristina R)
Great Lakes Bay Job Fair (Carol G)
MMAP LTC Training (Angela D)
Community Living Program Training (Gina K)
Waiver Directors Meeting, RLS Mtg., Annual HCBS WA Conference (Kerry W)
MSU Extension Michigan Indian Day (Kerry W, Annette J)
RLS training session (Kerry W, Kay L, Victoria F, Kayla G, Christine C, Melissa
U)
Planning for our Futures in Clare, Presentation to Woodworth Square Apartments
in Bad Axe, Bay Co. Task Force, Bay Co. Riverside Senior Center Presentation,
Region 9 AAA Mtg. on Elder Abuse & Savvy Caregiver overview, CMU DEER Center
Adv. Brd. Mtg., Sanilac Co. Senior Council Mtg., CMHD workgroup on “Together We
Can” (Annette J)
Remember to visit the Region VII web site on a regular basis.
www.region7aaa.org