I hope everyone had a wonderful summer. It is hard to believe that Autumn is already here. Autumn is the season when the duration of daylight becomes noticeably shorter and the temperature cools considerably. Day length decreases and night length increases as the season progresses until the winter solstice in December. One of its main features is the striking change in color of the leaves as they prepare to shed.
As in every season, Arkay seeks to expand its reach and its services. We will continue to emphasize community integration with our services with full participation in community life: This requires full participation in community life. Our goal is to focus on integrated and unsubsidized employment for our customers. Arkay’s coffee & sandwich shop, which is fully operational, leads in this direction in fulfilling our mission.
Other News
1. Michigan Medicaid Policy Changes for EVV Proposed: The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) plans to update Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) policies for personal care services (PCS) under Medicaid. The 21st Century Cures Act, enacted by the U.S. Congress in December 2016, added Section 1903 (I) to the Social Security Act to require all states to use Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) for personal care and home health care services provided under the Medicaid State Plan of the Social Security Act or under a waiver of the plan.
2. Recent Medicaid redeterminations are placing enrollees into less suitable eligibility categories, further contributing to the loss of much-needed funds. Some PIHPs are projecting deficits as large as $23 million for this year alone, with a growing number of individuals seeking services for mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities. The primary reasons for the revenue reductions include:
· Medicaid redeterminations assigning enrollees to inappropriate categories.
· Incorrect waiver placements for previously eligible individuals.
· The loss of over 60,000 Medicaid eligibles from specific categories like Disabled Adult Beneficiaries (DABs).
· The end of pandemic-related federal and state funding.
· An increase in demand for mental health services.
These challenges are real risks to the people who rely on Michigan’s public mental health system.
Lastly, Arkay will need to continue to emphasize community integration with supported employment and skill building services. This continues to be achieved through Arkay’s coffee & sandwich shop, Java Junction. Please visit Java for a tasty coffee & a delicious sandwich. Full participation in community life is the goal: All individuals are to be supported to take part in their community and have the same access as other individuals in the community. This requires full participation in community life.
Best Regards,
Kevin McGuckin
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