August 14, 2020
Dear Abilities family and friends,
My last letter spoke to the staggering revenue losses we are now faced with, in light of the additional reduction of DDD day program funding from 75% to 50%, effective 7/17/20. Over the last month our team has worked incredibly hard to connect our remote services to those who have attended our traditional day programs prior to COVID-19. These remote services offer us an opportunity to engage with those we miss terribly, to support their goals, while helping to offset the losses we’re sustaining. Unfortunately, we are only allowed to bill for these supports in 15-minute increments, as opposed to a “daily rate” as allowed by the Department of Education or the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services. Bridging the funding gap with this billing structure is unrealistic as so many individuals are unable to participate for a variety of reasons.
We have now entered an unprecedented, critical juncture for providers of disability services and their ability to sustain programs through this COVID-19 crisis. The system of care for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities here in NJ, and throughout the nation, is indeed in peril. If we do not act and advocate immediately, we can expect those supported by this system, and their families, to be in far greater crisis than ever before. We must advocate now to protect services and the rights of those with disabilities.
The NJ FY2021 budget process is currently taking place to determine allocation of funds from 10/1/20-6/30/21. Speaking on behalf of “day only” providers like Abilities, there is a solution for closed day programs which will not cost the state additional funds, but will keep providers whole. This solution involves asking DDD to request flexibility from CMS to move from an incremental billing process to a daily per diem rate for remote services. Please click here (Word) (PDF) to see my sample letter which has been sent to all of our legislative district representatives, and to Senate President Sweeney.
I implore you to take a few minutes this weekend, create a personal email using all or part of my letter if you wish, and be sure to include “the request.” Then email it to our district representatives (23rd & 24th):
You may also email it to Senate President Sweeney, who, as a family advocate, has always been a strong proponent of our services: sensweeney@njleg.org.
It is important that you include a few lines on how day program services have made an impact in your life, the life of someone you care for, your family, or the community as a whole. A few minutes of your time now may save future years of services and support for those who need it the most.
As always, I wish you and yours continued strength and good health!
Sincerely,
