by independencenw | Oct 23, 2013 | 2013 changes, advocacy
Independence Northwest continues its community outreach on big changes to brokerage and I/DD services in Oregon. In the last eight weeks we’ve held nine highly successful community forums presenting to nearly 190 community members – and we’ve got two more scheduled for the month of November! (We will also be presenting details about the changes at the upcoming Portland Public Schools Transition Fair the week of Thanksgiving. Details forthcoming.)
Join us if you’d like to learn more about the K Plan, the upcoming needs assessment requirement, new options for case management, plans for a new universal ISP, changes to provider payment and rates and much more.
Remember to RSVP by calling our front desk 503.546.2950. You may also email us at larry.deal@independencenw.org. Space is limited, so reserve your space at one of our evening or day sessions today!
Big thanks to all the families, customers, providers and community members who have joined us in the past few weeks. Your questions, comments, concern and input continue to make a difference in the restructure of the I/DD system!
by independencenw | Oct 2, 2013 | 2013 changes, faces of independence northwest, grants, provider organizations, providers
Providers, Customer Employers, and Community Members,
As you have likely heard by now, the State of Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) has been moving toward changing the way providers of brokerage services are paid.
Since 2001, brokerages have operated as a fiscal intermediary for our customers and we have been responsible for provision of provider payment. For many years, DHS has shared its intent to update its systemic capabilities and pay providers of brokerage services directly instead. It looked like 2013 would be the year things changed.
In May of 2013, DHS sent out a missive to all Personal Support Workers, which included a copy of a Personal Support Worker Provider Enrollment Application and Agreement. The mailer stated “completion of this document is required for you to be on the State Registry” and that “by signing this agreement the state will issue a provider number which will be necessary for payment on or prior to October 1, 2013.”
However, the state’s payment change efforts have experienced continued delays and as a result of these delays payment will continue through brokerages for the time being. We are being told that January 1st, 2014 is the new target date for when you’ll be paid directly through the State.
Our office has begun receiving multiple calls from providers concerned about their payment and where it will come from as a result of the registry and the October 1st, 2013 deadline. We request two things:
1. Please continue to send your invoices and time sheets to Independence Northwest as you always have. We will follow our regular payment schedules for providers and you should experience no disruption in payment.
2. If you have not yet completed a Provider Enrollment Agreement, we implore you to do so. While we can’t be certain the new January 1st, 2014 date will be met, we know that eventually you *will* receive payment through the DHS payment system and you must be set up in order to avoid delay in payment. It’s imperative you have a provider number assigned to you before being paid. Please take a moment to take care of this important piece of business.
Thank you for your continued partnership, efforts and support of our customer base. And thank you for your patience during the current transition.
*Please note: We were told by state employees that provider organizations who are not already set up in the state’s payment system will receive a provider number via the state’s licensing unit. If you have questions about this, please contact Larry Deal at larry.deal(at)independencenw.org. Thanks.
by independencenw | Sep 25, 2013 | advocacy
CALLING SELF ADVOCATES!
Join Self-Advocates Taking Action, a NEW self-advocacy group in Portland for people with developmental disabilities who want to speak up.
What: October Meeting
Agenda: Talk about the vision and mission of our group and advocacy for our community
When: Friday, October 4th 2pm
Where: Independence Northwest 541 NE 20th Avenue Suite 103
Why: Meet new friends, share ideas, learn new things, and have fun
For more information, contact Gayle (503-239-3407) or Kaaren (503-287-7946).
by independencenw | Sep 23, 2013 | advocacy, community connections, customers, fundraising
Yesterday was not only the first day of autumn – it was also the 1st Annual Cuts for a Cause Benefit for Independence Northwest. Heritage Barbershop, a local Portland business, sponsored the event offering free haircuts and styles to brokerage customers and their caregivers. Despite the blustery weather, we had a great turnout and the event raised $600 for the Independence Northwest Emergency Fund! The Emergency Fund helps people with intellectual/developmental disabilities in times of need.
We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Heritage Barbershop’s owner, Brian Porteous, for this event. What a guy. Brian pulled together a fantastic raffle including donated goods and gift certificates from local businesses including:
Huge thanks to these businesses for donating to this cause. We appreciate your support! For those who couldn’t stick around until 4PM for the raffle drawing, we’ll be notifying winners by phone shortly.
Additionally, we’d like to extend gratitude to the barbers Jen Mattson and Tariq B for volunteering their professional services to our customers and their caregivers. They did a fantastic job and gave some very fine cuts yesterday. And big thanks to Lorissa Prestwood Porteous, provider De Linda French Davis, INW Operations Director Ron Spence, and INW Board President Bill Beckett for helping the event run so smoothly!
This was truly a community event and we look forward to the 2nd Annual Cuts for a Cause event next summer!
by independencenw | Sep 19, 2013 | 2013 changes, advocacy, k plan
10/04/2013: Please note – we have cancelled the October 7th forum. Please join us on either the 9th or 21st!
Independence Northwest continues its community outreach on big changes to brokerage and I/DD services in Oregon. In the last six weeks, we’ve held six highly successful community forums presenting to nearly 150 community members – and we’ve got three more scheduled for the month of October.
Join us if you’d like to learn more about the K Plan, the upcoming needs assessment requirement, new options for case management, plans for a new universal ISP, changes to provider payment and rates and much more.
Remember to RSVP to Rachel at 503.546.2950. You may also email her at rkroll@independencenw.org. Space is limited, so reserve your space at one of our evening or day sessions today!
Big thanks to all the families, customers, providers and community members who have joined us in the past few weeks. Your questions, comments, concern and input continue to make a difference in the restructure of the I/DD system!
