SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) will host its regular stakeholder meeting on February 22, 2019 in Salem. Join us in person, by phone or online.
DHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht, along with the agency’s Executive Leadership Team, will present brief updates followed by a question-and-answer period. Updates will be provided on each of the agency’s divisions: Aging and People with Disabilities, Child Welfare, the Office of Developmental Disabilities, Self-Sufficiency Programs, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Central and Shared Services.
Date: Friday, February 22, 2019
Time: 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Participate:
- In-Person: Barbara Roberts Human Services Building, Room 137, 500 Summer Street NE, Salem
- By phone: Take part by conference call. Dial-in number: (800) 260-0719. Participant Code: 464300
- Online: Join from any PC or mobile device browser: Join the meeting.
Participate in the conversation on Twitter by using #ORDHSforum.
Learn more about the services DHS offers: www.oregon.gov/dhs
The U.S Department of Agriculture has asked states to provide early issuance of March benefits for those who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food security. This request is due to the partial federal government shutdown that occurred in January.
Oregonians who normally receives their SNAP benefits between the 1st or 9th of each month will get their March allocation on March 1, 2019.
This is the second month that SNAP benefits will be issued differently than the regular issuance schedule. The early March issuance date will help to ease the burden on affected households who have had a longer than usual gap between their usual SNAP issuances.
“We understand that this disruption in the schedule of how benefits are distributed can be difficult for SNAP participants,” stated Self-Sufficiency Programs Director Kim Fredlund. “Our goal, during this unprecedented time, is to ensure we provide vulnerable Oregonians with access to food benefits and help them find additional resources if needed.”
If people are concerned about running out of SNAP benefits, they can contact to 211Info, the Oregon Food Bank or the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) to find resources in their local communities.
To find a local DHS office, go to www.oregon.gov/dhs and click on Office Locations.
(Wilsonville, Ore.) – The Quality Measurement Council will meet from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2019, in Training Rooms 1 and 2 at the Oregon Child Development Coalition, 9140 S.W. Pioneer Court, Wilsonville, Oregon, 97070.
The Quality Measurement Council was formed with the passage of House Bill 3359 in 2017. The council meeting is open to the public.
Agenda items include will include a discussion on collecting and reporting metrics.
Sign language interpreters and live captioning will be provided. Those who are unable to attend in person, may join by calling toll-free phone number, 1-888-363-4735, and using Conference ID #3439085.
The meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities. For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please contact Rebecca Mapes at 1-541-735-0058 or Rebecca.Mapes@state.or.us Requests should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting.
For questions about this meeting, please contact: Rebecca Mapes at 1-541-735-0058 or Rebecca.Mapes@state.or.us
About the Quality Measurement Council
The council was established to create and maintain a system through which community-based, long-term care facilities report reliable and meaningful data that will make possible a system for measuring a facility’s performance compared with other long-term care providers in the state.
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(Salem, Ore.) – The Medicaid Long Term Care Quality and Reimbursement Advisory Council meets from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 13, at the Barbara Roberts Human Services Building, Room 285, 500 Summer St. N.E., Salem. The meeting is open to the public.
Agenda items include: public comment, Governor’s Recommended Budget document, bills of possible interest and council business.
For those who can’t attend in person, there is a toll-free phone number that can also be accessed through Skype for Business: (503) 934-1400, participant code 50479028.
The meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities. For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please contact Alex Pelusi at alex.j.pelusi@state.or.us. Requests should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting.
For questions about this meeting, please contact: Max Brown, 503-945-6993 or max.brown@state.or.us.
About the Medicaid Long Term Care Quality & Reimbursement Advisory Council
The Medicaid Long Term Care Quality and Reimbursement Advisory Council (MLTCQRAC) was established by the 1995 Legislative Assembly to advise the Department of Human Services Aging and People with Disabilities program on changes or modifications to the Medicaid reimbursement system for long-term care and community based care services.
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(Salem, Ore.) – The Oregon Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Advisory Committee will hold its full advisory and executive committee meetings on Feb. 15 in Salem.
The full advisory committee will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in Room 160 of the Barbara Roberts Human Services Building, 500 Summer St. N.E., Salem, Oregon, 97301. Agenda items for the meeting, which is open to the public, will include public comment, announcements, new staff introduction, new membership discussion, retreat priorities, other budget items, legislative updates, and bylaws committee scheduling.
The executive committee, which is also open to the public, will meet from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room 160 of the Barbara Roberts Human Services Building, 500 Summer St. N.E., Salem, Oregon, 97301. Agenda items include will include public comment, announcements, 2019 meeting planning, brochure and website ideas, and new business.
Sign language interpreters, close vision interpreters, FM assistive listening devices and live captioning will be provided for each meeting. Those who are unable to attend in person, may join each meeting by calling toll-free phone number, (503) 934-1400, and using Conference ID 8113673#.
The meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities. For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please contact Request.ODHHSP@state.or.us. Requests should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting. For questions about these meetings, please contact: Max Brown at 503-945-6993 or max.brown@state.or.us
About the Oregon Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Advisory Committee
The committee assists the Oregon Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Program (ODHHSP) by providing information and expertise on issues affecting individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing and those with additional disability.
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(Salem, Ore.) – The Governor’s Commission on Senior Services (GCSS) will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, at 4074 Winema Place N.E., Room 227/228, Salem, Oregon, 97305.
The meeting is open to the public. Agenda items include regular and new commission business including applications, an update from the Aging and People with Disabilities Program, discussion of the Governor’s budget and current legislation, an update on the Adult Foster Home program, and a presentation from the LGBTQ Aging Coalition. Those who can’t attend in person may call into the meeting using this conference line and access code: (888) 808-6929, 4517555.
The meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities. For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please contact Lori Watt at Lori.C.Watt@state.or.us. Requests should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting. For questions about the meeting, please contact: Deb McCuin, program analyst at Debbie.Mccuin@state.or.us.
About the Governor’s Commission on Senior Services
The Governor’s Commission on Senior Services is dedicated to enhancing and protecting the quality of life for all older Oregonians. Through cooperation with other organizations, and advocacy, the commission works to ensure that seniors have access to services that provide, choice, independence, and dignity.
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Note to editors: Hearings will be held in LaGrande, Medford, Portland and Salem.
(Salem, Ore.) – The Oregon Department of Human Services’ Vocational Rehabilitation program is seeking public comment on changes to administrative rules on employment-related services for people with disabilities.
Public comment is sought on Oregon Administrative Rules 582 for Vocational Rehabilitation. Interested parties may testify at a public hearing in person, by phone or in writing. All input will be reviewed and, where appropriate, the procedures will be modified or refined.
The proposed procedures will be posted at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/vr/ no later than Feb. 15, 2019.
Vocational Rehabilitation is updating procedures to align with requirements of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), enacted July 22, 2014 (Public Law No. 113-128). The procedures match definitions and requirements in the Rehabilitation Act, as amended, and clarify processes for vocational rehabilitation service, specifically to definitions used in services, confidentiality and privacy, transition services for students and youth with disabilities, and training and services that may be available to employers.
Email: No later than March 1, 2019, email comments to: VR.Policy@state.or.us.
Mail: No later than March 1, 2019, send written testimony to:
Department of Human Services, Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation
Robin Brandt, Policy Analyst
500 Summer Street NE, E-87 Salem, Oregon 97310-1018
In person: Attend a public hearing listed below.
By phone: During the hearing, dial in as indicated for each meeting.
The hearings will end when comments conclude. Please arrive before the meeting to sign up to provide testimony.
The public hearings:
Friday, February 15, 2019
Time: 9 - 10 a.m.
Location: Human Services Building
500 Summer Street NE, Room 166
Salem, Oregon 97301-1120
Dial in: +1 (503) 934-1400, Access code: 98691139#
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
Location: Vocational Rehabilitation
1607 Gekeler Lane
Little Creek Meadow Room 134
LaGrande, OR 97850-3341
Dial in: +1 (503) 934-1400, Access code: 669505#
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Time: 1 – 2 p.m.
Location: Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation
305 NE 102nd Avenue
102nd Conference Room
Portland, Oregon 97220-4161
Dial in: +1 (503) 934-1400, Access code: 95813906#
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Time: 2 – 3 p.m.
Location: Medford Vocational Rehabilitation office
28 West 6th Street
Medford, OR 97501-2774
Dial in: 1 (503) 934-1400, Access code: 6173011#
Accommodation: Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication should make a request as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled event by contacting Robin Brandt at (503-945-5857) or email VR.Policy@dhsoha.state.or.us.
About Vocational Rehabilitation: The Vocational Rehabilitation program assists individuals with disabilities to get, keep and advance in jobs that match the individual’s skills, interests and abilities.
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The Oregon Department of Human Services’ Office of Developmental Disabilities Services is seeking public comment regarding the 1915 (c) #40193, #40194, and #0375 Waiver renewals and #0565 and #0117 waiver amendments.
The 1915 (k) and waiver renewals and amendments are requesting to:
#0117 Children’s Waiver amendment:
- Add the Medicaid eligibility group §435.145 for Children with adoption assistance, foster care, or guardianship care under title IV-E.
- Remove the provider qualification of Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional, defined in 42 CFR 483.430 for State Trained Assessors to be consistent with the provider specifications for service for Waiver Case Management, State Trained Assessors.
- Update the Quality Improvement Strategy and performance measures to be consistent with other ODDS 1915 (c) waivers and based on CMS feedback.
- Update the change in name of the Office of Adult Abuse Prevention and Investigation (OAAPI) to Office of Training, Information and Safety (OTIS).
#0375 Adults’ Waiver renewal:
- Add the Medicaid eligibility group §435.145 for Children with adoption assistance, foster care, or guardianship care under title IV-E.
- Remove the provider qualification of Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional, defined in 42 CFR 483.430 for State Trained Assessors in B-6c to be consistent with the Appendix C provider specifications for service for Waiver Case Management, State Trained Assessors.
- Update the Quality Improvement Strategy and performance measures to be consistent with other ODDS 1915 (c) waivers and based on CMS feedback.
- Update the change in name of the Office of Adult Abuse Prevention and Investigation (OAAPI) to Office of Training, Information and Safety (OTIS).
#40193 and #40194 Model Waiver renewals and #0565 Model Waiver amendment:
- Remove the provider qualification of Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional, defined in 42 CFR 483.430 for State Trained Assessors in B-6c to be consistent with the Appendix C provider specifications for service for Waiver Case Management, State Trained Assessors.
- Add Employment Path, Supported Employment - Individual Employment Support, Discovery/Career Exploration Services, and Supported Employment - Small Group Employment Support.
- Remove Special Diets due to lack of use.
- Add rate methodology for Waiver case management for employees of DHS, Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS).
- Update the Quality Improvement Strategy and performance measures to be consistent with other ODDS 1915 (c) waivers and based on CMS feedback.
- Update the change in name of the Office of Adult Abuse Prevention and Investigation (OAAPI) to Office of Training, Information and Safety (OTIS).
1915 (k) amendment:
- Add Support Technology to the K-plan where enhanced supervisionis necessary. This may be delivered utilizing technology equipment when such support reflects the assessed needs of the individual, is directed by the individual and the individual consents to the use of the technology equipment as documented in the person-centered service plan. This use of Support Technology would only be allowed in ODDS settings.
- Increase the local case management entity benefit approval limit on assistive technology and devices to $1,200.
- Implement an Enhanced Foster Care model, which would allow for some children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be diverted from children’s residential placement to less costly and restrictive placements. This service would be developed by working with I/DD provider agencies to build capacity to provide this service in the child’s and family’s community.
The proposed waivers are online at https://www.oregon.gov/DHS/SENIORS-DISABILITIES/DD/Pages/Compass-Project-Waivers-Rules-Policy.aspx.
Print versions of the waivers are posted in local Community Developmental Disabilities Programs (http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/SENIORS-DISABILITIES/DD/Pages/county-programs.aspx) and Support Services Brokerages (http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/SENIORS-DISABILITIES/DD/Pages/Support-Services-Brokerages.aspx). Print versions may also be obtained from Joli Schroader, Medicaid Waiver/State Plan Analyst, 503-507-2083, .schroader@state.or.us">joli.r.schroader@.state.or.us.
Interested parties are asked to submit comments via one of two methods: Send an email to odds.info@state.or.us or send written comments addressed to ODDS Medicaid Waiver/State Plan Analyst, 500 Summer Street NE E-09, Salem, OR 97301.
Deadline for comments is February 25, 2019. Mail responses must be received by this date in order to be considered.
Media contacts: Department of Revenue: Joy Krawczyk, 503-945-7796, joy.krawczyk@oregon.gov. Department of Human Services: Christine Stone, 503-602-8027, christine.l.stone@state.or.us.
Oregonians can get a larger tax refund with the Earned Income Tax Credit – but many don’t know this
Friday, January 25, 2019 is Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day
The federal Earned Income Tax Credit distributed about $63 billion to 5 million eligible workers and families last year nationwide. The average amount of EITC received was about $2,488 and up to $6,269 if the person filing has qualifying children.
But, many Oregonians don’t know that they are eligible.
That’s why Friday, January 25, 2019 has been designated Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day. This is a national effort to reach out to individuals and families with low incomes to increase awareness of the federal tax credit and local free tax preparation help. People are encouraged to visit IRS’ website today to learn more about the credit and eligibility requirements.
The Oregon Department of Human Services and the Oregon Department of Revenue are working with other state agencies and community partners to encourage taxpayers to learn more about this credit and find out if they’re eligible.
To be eligible, taxpayers must have earned income last year. The taxpayer and all individuals claimed on their federal return must have valid Social Security numbers (SSN). Other eligibility requirements for filers include:
- They can’t use the “married filing separate” filing status.
- Children they’re claiming on their return can’t be the qualifying child of another person.