s_hhs_2017a_2017-02-02t13:36:54z2 Hearing Summary

Date: 02/02/2017

Location: RM 271

03:07 PM -- Update from Community Centered Boards and Providers



Randy Brodersen, North Metro Community Services, discussed the process for individuals moving off the DD waitlist and into the DD system. He distributed a handout to the committee (Attachment E). He discussed the challenges facing the network of service providers, including provider capacity, reimbursement rates, and the labor pool. He discussed the funding challenges that service providers face when offering SLS services. He explained that the current reimbursement rates do not cover the cost of delivering SLS services. He spoke about clients who have been moved off the waitlist but are not receiving services due to the lack of providers.



170202 AttachE.pdf



03:17 PM



Doug McNeil, Laradon, discussed the cost of doing business including provider rates. He discussed the role of direct service providers, the impact on services due to the growing gap between the cost of doing business and reimbursement rates, and the high turn over rates of direct service providers compared to other industries. Mr. McNeil discussed the obstacles faced by the different populations his agency serves and the type of services these populations need to be independent. Mr. McNeil responded to questions regarding the affects of the minimum wage increase on the service provider labor pool and questions about the future for these service if funding is reduced.





03:21 PM



Committee discussion and comment followed regarding the difficult task of finding an adequate number of providers and the affects of the minimum wage increase on the labor pool, reduction in services due to possible changes in Medicaid funding, and the overall administrative cost for CCBs and provider agencies.