AALC Newsletter - July/August 2022

July/August 2022

Did you know that nationally more than 7 million people, including the around 11,500 seniors and persons with disabilities living in our Supportive Living communities, receive HCBS through Medicaid? The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) last week released the first-ever home and community-based services (HCBS) quality measure set to promote consistent quality measurement within and across state Medicaid HCBS programs.

For AALC, the release of this national HCBS Quality Measure Set could not be timelier because it coincides with AALC’s recent work to identify quality measures for Supportive Living Providers.

In July, AALC convened a Quality Task Force to identify appropriate quality measures for Supportive Living Providers to report in connection with additional funding related to the nursing facility quality and CNA tenure and promotion payments. AALC is in the process of finalizing its recommendation, which now includes measures from the national HCBS Quality Measure Set.

AALC is confident that implementing SLP Quality Measures that align with the federal HCBS Quality Measure Set will allow our members to continue to stand out among LTC provider groups both within and outside of Illinois and demonstrate what we all know, “Supportive Living IS healthy living!”

To read more about the CMS announcement, click here.

INSTANT SURVEY! We are planning for our upcoming educational training seminar. Your response will help us plan accordingly. Please click on one of the options below!

If AALC offers a 1-day training seminar, would you be more likely to attend via:

Zoom Call

In Person

Neither

We want to hear from you! What topics would you like us to cover? AALC strives to provide relevant and timely training and education to our members. Your input is important to our planning! Send ideas to: Kzosel@aalcillinois.org

Legislative Update

AALC was pleased to see the new supportive living Medicaid rates effective July 1, 2022, published earlier this month by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS). The increased rates are a direct result of AALC’s lobbying efforts and continued partnership with HFS. The July 1, 2022, rates include most of the impact form the new nursing home reimbursement reform. Only the quality and CNA payments are not part of the new SLP rates. AALC will be analyzing the impact of the new staffing incentive rate for nursing homes on SLP rates and potential variability in rates following the conclusion of the 6-month transition period.

The AALC Board and its members are grateful for the AALC lobbying team’s successful efforts over the past legislative session. AALC’s strategic and thoughtful work throughout the last two years has brought important and needed resources to the Supportive Living Program.

To view SLP Rate History, click here.

To view SLP Rate Map, click here.

To view SLP & NP Rate Comparison, click here.

To view SLP & NP Rate Comparison with SSI, click here.

New July SL Rates

Supportive Living is Healthy Living Highlights

Heritage Woods of Freeport

Show & Tell! Residents spent some time showing off their homemade quilts, purses, blankets, cross stitching and so much more.

Supportive Living is Creative Living!

The Manor at Craig Farms

Residents can't help but have fun at an 80's Party! Supportive Living is glitter, 80's music, laughter, friends & fun! !

Supportive Living is Fun Living!

Heritage Woods of DeKalb

DeKalb County Community Garden rolled in pallets and set up tables so residents could select fruits and veggies to keep on the journey of a healthy living lifestyle!

Supportive Living is Healthy Eating!