REMINDER: Re-Opening of HCBS Rate and Wage Study Survey – Due November 15, 2024

In order to gather responses from providers that were not able to submit previously, the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) has re-opened the Calendar Year (CY) 2023 rate study survey for the following Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): 

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Maternal Health Roundtable Listening Session - December 6th, 2024
The Commonwealth is working collaboratively - Governor Shapiro's office and the health hub agencies (Health, Human Services, Drug and Alcohol Programs, and Insurance) - to develop a statewide maternal health strategic plan. We need your help to make it a robust, comprehensive, collaborative, living, and most importantly, active plan.
As you are likely aware, Pennsylvania, like the nation, is experiencing a maternal health crisis.
According to the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee report, in 2020, Pennsylvania residents experienced a pregnancy-associated mortality ratio of 83 deaths per 100,000 live births with large 

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REMINDER: Re-Opening of HCBS Rate and Wage Study Survey – Due November 15, 2024

In order to gather responses from providers that were not able to submit previously, the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) has re-opened the Calendar Year (CY) 2023 rate study survey for the following Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): 

[More ...]

REMINDER: Re-Opening of HCBS Rate and Wage Study Survey – Due November 15, 2024

In order to gather responses from providers that were not able to submit previously, the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) has re-opened the Calendar Year (CY) 2023 rate study survey for the following Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): 

[More ...]

REMINDER: Re-Opening of HCBS Rate and Wage Study Survey – Due November 15, 2024

In order to gather responses from providers that were not able to submit previously, the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) has re-opened the Calendar Year (CY) 2023 rate study survey for the following Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): 

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Transition to Patient Driven Payment Model

The Saturday, October 12, 2024, Volume 54, Number 41 issue of the Pennsylvania Bulletin<https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol54/54-41/1462.html> (54 Pa.B. 6427 (October 12, 2024)) contains a public notice entitled "Transition to Patient Driven Payment Model" which announces proposed amendments to the nursing facility case mix rate setting methodology in 55 Pa. Code, Chapters 1187 (relating to nursing facility services) and 1189 (relating to county nursing facility services). 

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REMINDER: Re-Opening of HCBS Rate and Wage Study Survey – Due November 15, 2024

In order to gather responses from providers that were not able to submit previously, the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) has re-opened the Calendar Year (CY) 2023 rate study survey for the following Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): 

[More ...]

The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) is presenting a live, interactive, 6-session webinar series on housing issues.

When
November 5, 2024 to December 10, 2024, (every Tuesday) from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.

Format
The webinars will include targeted content and question and answer (Q&A) sessions with housing experts and OLTL staff.

Target Audience
The webinar series targets Service Coordinators, Managed Care Organizations, and Service Coordination Entity support staff who assist program participants in securing and maintaining affordable, accessible housing through Home and Community-Based Services. Our target audience for these webinars includes individuals and organizations who provide long-term services and 

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Re-Opening of HCBS Rate and Wage Study Survey – Due November 15, 2024

In order to gather responses from providers that were not able to submit previously, the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) is re-opening the Calendar Year (CY) 2023 rate study survey for the following Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): 

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Learn about the PA ABLE Savings Program!
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), is offering a webinar on the PA Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Savings Program. A PA ABLE savings account gives individuals with qualified disabilities (Eligible Individuals) and their families and friends a tax-free way to save for a wide range of disability-related expenses while maintaining important benefits. The state and federal tax-free investment options are offered to encourage Eligible Individuals and their families to save private funds to support health, independence, and quality of life.
Some of the topics we will 

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Reminder: Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) Transportation Summit 3

OLTL will be hosting a Transportation Summit by Zoom meeting on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Transportation Summit is an open forum for anyone interested in discussing transportation related issues in the Community HealthChoices (CHC) Program. There will be staff from various programs on the call, including the managed care organizations (MCOs) and transportation brokers, Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP), Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), etc. They will be on the call to listen to your feedback and answer questions as they can. See below 

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The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) is sharing this important announcement from the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) regarding Suicide Prevention. Please share this information, including the attached 2024 Pennsylvania Suicide Prevention Guide, with your staff, consumers, and any other interested parties or individuals.

The Jana Marie Foundation, Aevidum, Prevent Suicide PA, Pennsylvania Network for Student Assistance Services (PNSAS), STAR-Center at the University of Pittsburgh, and Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Youth Suicide Prevention Grant are pleased to share a resource guide for National Suicide Prevention Month. Within the month of September, the week of September 8th 

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Please read the important press release below from the Department of Human Services regarding the announcement of applicants selected through a Request for Applications (RFA) process to administer Pennsylvania’s Community HealthChoices (CHC) program. The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing this message here for your information.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2024 

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HCBS Rate and Wage Study Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), with support from Mercer Government Human Services Consulting (Mercer), part of Mercer Health & Benefits LLC, is conducting a rate study survey for the following Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS):

* Adult Day
* Structured Day Habilitation
* Employment and Training
* Personal Assistance (Agency)
* Personal Assistance (Participant Directed)
* Residential Habilitation 

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HCBS Rate and Wage Study Survey – July 18, 2024 PowerPoint Presentation

The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), with support from Mercer Government Human Services Consulting (Mercer), part of Mercer Health & Benefits LLC, is sharing the PowerPoint Presentation from the July 18, 2024 HCBS Rate and Wage Study Meeting as an attachment. 

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Reminder - HCBS Rate and Wage Study Survey – Due August 23, 2024

The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), with support from Mercer Government Human Services Consulting (Mercer), part of Mercer Health & Benefits LLC, is conducting a rate study survey for the following Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS):

* Adult Day
* Structured Day Habilitation
* Employment and Training
* Personal Assistance (Agency)
* Personal Assistance (Participant Directed)
* Residential Habilitation 

[More ...]

This communication is to correct/update and replace the ListServ email sent on August 7, 2024, at 9:49 AM regarding the subject: “Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) Transportation Summit 3 - Tuesday, September 17, 2024.” This ListServ has been updated to include the correct registration link. Please disregard the previous communication. 

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Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) Transportation Summit 3

OLTL will be hosting a Transportation Summit by Zoom meeting on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Transportation Summit is an open forum for anyone interested in discussing transportation related issues in the Community HealthChoices (CHC) Program. There will be staff from various programs on the call, including the managed care organizations (MCOs) and transportation brokers, Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP), Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), etc. They will be on the call to listen to your feedback and answer questions as they can. See below for 

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HCBS Rate and Wage Study Survey – Due August 23, 2024

The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), with support from Mercer Government Human Services Consulting (Mercer), part of Mercer Health & Benefits LLC, is conducting a rate study survey for the following Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS):

* Adult Day
* Structured Day Habilitation
* Employment and Training
* Personal Assistance (Agency)
* Personal Assistance (Participant Directed)
* Residential Habilitation 

[More ...]

The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing this message from the PA Department of Human Services:

View In Browser<https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/240718C/7os582xzsu6y.vib?a2=5scbc7ua&a1=stmeyer%40PA.GOV&a0=325>

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Bridges to Success:
Keystones of Health for Pennsylvania

1115 Program Administrator RFI

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1115 Program Administrator RFI

The Department of Human Services has released a new Request for Information (RFI) to assist in determining possible implementation needs for the Commonwealth’s proposed 1115 Demonstration Waiver titled, Bridges to Success: Keystones of Health for Pennsylvania. This RFI will help inform a potential scope of work for private, public, and non-profit organizations that could 

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The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), is offering a webinar on the PA Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Savings Program. A PA ABLE account gives individuals with qualifying disabilities (eligible individuals) and their families and friends a tax-free way to save for disability-related expenses while maintaining government benefits. Federal and state law authorized the creation of PA ABLE accounts. The presentation will be given by a representative of the PA Treasury Department. 

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Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) Mercer Rate and Wage Study

OLTL will be hosting the Quarterly Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Provider Call on Thursday, July 18, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please register<https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1612024005?pwd=G3gIyNjrlArNqtPe3yuAJ3kONJeavV.1> for the July 18, 2024 HCBS Provider Call at the link provided below. Remote captioning and remote streaming will be available during the call as well as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter. 

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Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) Mercer Rate and Wage Study

OLTL will be hosting the Quarterly Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Provider Call on Thursday, July 18, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please save the date for this informative call. A registration link for the July 18, 2024 HCBS Provider Call will follow. Remote captioning and remote streaming will be available during the call as well as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter.
During the call, there will be a presentation from Mercer providing an overview of the HCBS Rate and Wage Study. The Department of Human Services 

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2025 Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver Renewal
In September 2024, the Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) will be submitting a renewal to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for the CHC 1915(c) home and community-based services waiver. To view a side-by-side comparison of the current and revised language, and to access the renewal in its entirety, please go to the OLTL-Waiver Amendments and Renewals<https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/dhs/departments-offices/oltl-info/oltl-waiver-amendments-renewals.html> webpage. On this site, select "2025 CHC Waiver Amendment."
All documents are available in alternate format and in paper copy upon request by calling the OLTL Bureau of Policy 

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2025 OBRA Waiver Amendment

In September 2024, the Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) will be submitting an amendment to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for the OBRA 1915(c) home and community-based services waiver. To view a side-by-side comparison of the current and revised language, and to access the amendment in its entirety, please go to the OLTL-Waiver Amendments and Renewals <https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/dhs/departments-offices/oltl-info/oltl-waiver-amendments-renewals.html> webpage. On this site, select “2025 OBRA Waiver Amendment.” 

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The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) is sharing the message below from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) for your information. Please help OLTL spread this message far and wide to anyone who uses the DHS website:

Good afternoon,

In partnership with the Governor's Office and the Commonwealth's web development vendor, the Department of Human Services (DHS) will move to a new public-facing website platform. Deployment of the new platform is scheduled for this evening, Tuesday, May 28. This transition will only affect dhs.pa.gov, and will not affect Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS), Child Welfare Information 

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Please help the Pennsylvania (PA) Department of Human Services, Office of Long-Term Living share this information from the PA Department of Labor, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and Temple University.
OVR is excited to share the information in the attached flyer for an upcoming PA Business-to-Business Mentor Network event on how organizations can be more inclusive specific to hiring people with disabilities. 

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Please help the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Long-Term Living share this information from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) as widely as possible, to inform Pennsylvanians about the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP):

DCNR is excited to share the public survey for the 2025 SCORP. The SCORP survey is open from April 22, 2024 through Wednesday, May 22, 2024. 

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Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) Transportation Summit 1 Question and Answer Document

OLTL hosted a Transportation Summit webinar on December 11, 2023. Answers to questions asked during that webinar are found on the Community HealthChoices (CHC) Communications to CHC Participants webpage<https://www.dhs.pa.gov/HealthChoices/HC-Services/Pages/CHC-Communications-to-Participants.aspx> under the heading Community Meetings/Information Sessions. The Question and Answer document is also attached to this email for your convenience.
If you have questions about CHC transportation provided through a CHC managed care organization (MCO), please contact the CHC-MCO through one of these methods:
​AmeriHealth Caritas Pennsylvania Website<http://www.amerihealthcaritaschc.com/>: www.amerihealthcaritaschc.com<http://www.amerihealthcaritaschc.com>
Phone: 1-855-235-5115 (TTY 1-800-235-5112)
Questions? Submit inquiries through this contact 

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On behalf of the Office of Elder Justice in the Courts, the Office of Long-Term Living is sharing the message below and the attached flyer about a Southcentral Regional Collaboration Groups (RCG) Listening Session. Please share with any community members who you feel should be included in the listening session, as well as professionals who could help advertise the event to the public. Thank you. 

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The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), is offering a webinar on the topic of the PA Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Savings Program. A PA ABLE account gives individuals with qualifying disabilities (eligible individuals), and their families and friends, a tax-free way to save for disability-related expenses while maintaining government benefits. Federal and state law authorized the creation of PA ABLE accounts. The Presentation will be given by a Representative of the PA Treasury Department.
OLTL Service Coordinators, Direct Service Providers, Community HealthChoices (CHC) managed care organization (MCO) staff and any individuals that work 

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Please read the important press release below from the Department of Human Services regarding the Shapiro Administration reminding Pennsylvanians to apply for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) before the season ends. The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing this message here for your information.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2, 2024

Shapiro Administration Reminds Pennsylvanians to Apply for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Before Season Ends, Announces Plan to Restart Cash Grants After Federal Budget Negotiations 

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The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) is presenting a live, interactive, 6-session webinar series on housing issues.

When
April 2, 2024 - May 14, 2024 (every Tuesday, skipping April 23, 2024) from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm.

Format
The webinars will include targeted content and question and answer (Q&A) sessions with housing experts and OLTL staff. 

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This email is to notify you that due to recent website maintenance, the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) webpage<https://www.dhs.pa.gov/about/DHS-Information/Pages/Stakeholders/Long-Term-Services-Subcommittee.aspx> has not yet been updated with the registration link for the March 7, 2024 LTSS Subcommittee meeting.
Please register for the March 7, 2024 Webinar using this registration link<https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4261840547221223001>.

After registering, you will receive an email containing information about joining the webinar. 

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The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) is sharing the message below regarding the 30-day public comment period for Aging Our Way, PA with you as information. Please help the Department of Aging share this information as widely as possible.

Aging Our Way, PA is a 10-year roadmap to meet the needs of the Commonwealth's older adults and improve services for this rapidly growing population. The plan includes priorities, strategies, and tactics to promote health, well-being and quality of life for all Pennsylvanians as we age. Aging Our Way, PA also prepares the Commonwealth for a larger, longer-living older adult population 

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The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) is sharing this important announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning individuals of the risks related to using smartwatches or smart rings that claim to measure blood glucose levels (blood sugar) without piercing the skin. Please share this information, Do Not Use Smartwatches or Smart Rings to Measure Blood Glucose Levels: FDA Safety Communication<https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/do-not-use-smartwatches-or-smart-rings-measure-blood-glucose-levels-fda-safety-communication?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery>, issued on February 21, 2024, with others who could benefit from it. Thank you.
A listserv has been established for ongoing updates on the CHC program. It is titled OLTL-COMMUNITY-HEALTHCHOICES, please visit the ListServ Archives page at 

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DHS 2024-25 Budget Briefing - Registration Information - Additional Session

Good morning,

Because we hit capacity in tomorrow morning's briefing, we are adding a second session at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow, February 9. If you are already registered for the morning session, do not register for the afternoon session so we can keep enough space for all who are interested. Both sessions will be recorded and posted publicly to YouTube, but content will be roughly similar - we'll share Q&A sessions from both, and a follow-up q&a document will be shared next week. 

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DHS 2024-25 Budget Briefing - Registration Information

Good afternoon,

Secretary Val Arkoosh and leadership from the Department of Human Services (DHS) will host a webinar to discuss the proposed 2024-25 budget for the department. The briefing will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 9. If you are unable to attend, the briefing will be recorded and available for viewing afterwards. 

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This communication is to update and replace the ListServ email sent on January 11, 2024, regarding the subject: “Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) Transportation Summit 2 – February 7, 2024.” The message has been updated to show that the summit will be held through Microsoft Teams. Please disregard the previous communication. 

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Procure Services of Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) to Operate Community HealthChoices (CHC) Program

The purpose of this email is to announce that the Department of Human Services (DHS) has posted the following Solicitation Request for Application (RFA) 31-22<http://www.emarketplace.state.pa.us/Solicitations.aspx?SID=RFA%2031-22>. DHS is seeking to procure the services of Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) to operate the Community HealthChoices (CHC) Program in the five CHC zones which cover all 67 counties of the Commonwealth of PA.
All of the information about the RFA can be found in the RFA announcement link: PA eMarketplace(state.pa.us)<http://www.emarketplace.state.pa.us/Solicitations.aspx?SID=RFA%2031-22>
Public bid openings consist of a Commonwealth procurement representative electronically accessing 

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The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), is offering a webinar on the topic of the PA Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Savings Program. A PA ABLE account gives individuals with qualifying disabilities (eligible individuals), and their families and friends, a tax-free way to save for disability-related expenses while maintaining government benefits. Federal and state law authorized the creation of PA ABLE accounts. The Presentation will be given by a Representative of the PA Treasury Department. 

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On behalf of the Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary's Office, the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) is sharing the message below as information. Please share with other interested parties.
Secretary Val Arkoosh and leadership from DHS will host a webinar to discuss the proposed 2024-25 budget for the department. The virtual briefing will take place on Friday, February 9, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Connection information will be sent out early next week. We hope you are able to join and look forward to the conversation!
A listserv has been established for ongoing updates on the CHC program. It is 

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Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) Transportation Summit 2

OLTL will be hosting a Transportation Summit webinar on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, from 1:00 pm. to 3:00 pm. The Transportation Summit 2 is an open forum for anyone interested in discussing transportation in the Community HealthChoices (CHC) Program. There will be staff from various programs on the call, including the managed care organizations (MCO) and transportation brokers, Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP), Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), etc. They will be on the call to listen to your feedback and answer questions as they can. See below for webinar information and 

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On behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) is sharing the message below and the attached flier with you as information. Please help DOH share this information as widely as possible.

Pennsylvania's Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant serves to improve the health and wellbeing of the nation's mothers, infants, children and youth, including children and youth with special health care needs, and their families. In Pennsylvania in 2022, this federal grant helped to provide services for: 

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On behalf of the Department of Human Services (DHS) Housing Strategy Team, the Office of Long-Term Living is sharing the 2024-2029 Housing Strategy Virtual Feedback Forums information below with you as a resource. Please share this information with others in your organization and/or community who could benefit from the feedback forums. 

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OMAP Bulletin: Carr v. Becerra - Retroactive Reinstatement of Coverage Issued
This message is to inform Office of Long-Term Living providers that the Office of Medical Assistance Programs (OMAP) recently issued the Carr v. Becerra - Retroactive Reinstatement of Coverage Bulletin<https://www.dhs.pa.gov/docs/Publications/Documents/FORMS%20AND%20PUBS%20OMAP/MAB2023122002.pdf> (Bulletin # 99-23-11) which applies to all providers enrolled in the Medical Assistance (MA) Program.
The purpose of the Carr v. Becerra - Retroactive Reinstatement of Coverage Bulletin is to inform MA providers how to submit claims, including claims outside the 180-day claim submission timeframe, for MA beneficiaries whose coverage has been reinstated because of the decision in the 

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OMAP Bulletin: Ex Parte Retroactive Reinstatement of Coverage Bulletin Issued

This message is to inform Office of Long-Term Living providers that the Office of Medical Assistance Programs (OMAP) recently issued the Ex Parte Retroactive Reinstatement of Coverage Bulletin<https://www.dhs.pa.gov/docs/Publications/Documents/FORMS%20AND%20PUBS%20OMAP/MAB2023122001.pdf> (Bulletin # 99-23-12) which applies to all providers enrolled in the Medical Assistance (MA) Program. 

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OLTL is sharing the following information about the availability of a summary of public comments on, and the Department of Human Services response to, the Managed Care Quality Strategy (MCQS) Report.
Managed Care Quality Strategy
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), per regulation 42 CFR § 438.340(a) and 42 CFR 457.1240(e), requires states to have a quality strategy for their managed care programs. The intent of the regulation is to ensure members enrolled in Medicaid managed care programs have access to high quality health care services provided by the state’s managed care organizations (MCOs) or entities.
The MCQS 

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Please read the important press release below from the Department of Human Services regarding the Shapiro Administration Getting Stuff Done by reducing Medicaid red tape and keeping Pennsylvanians covered during the first year in office. The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing this message here for your information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
December 19, 2023  

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On behalf of the PA Department of Labor & Industry, the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) is sharing the following message. Please refer to the information below about the PA Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Combined State Plan.

Please share with your staffs, consumers, and other interested parties.

Pennsylvania's 2024-2028 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Combined State Plan Draft<https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/Pages/WIOA.aspx> is now out for public comment. 

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The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing the following message from the Center for Medicaid and (Children's Health Insurance Program) CHIP Services (CMCS) for your information. Please share this information regarding the upcoming Person-Centered Service Planning in HCBS: Requirements and Best Practices Webinar with your staffs, consumers, and other interested parties. 

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On behalf of the PA Department of Treasury, the Office of Long-Term Living is sharing the following message. Please refer to the information below from the PA Department of Treasury regarding upcoming Pennsylvania (PA) Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Account Webinars below.
Please share with your staffs, consumers, and other interested parties. 

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Pennie Open Enrollment Deadline

Pennie, Pennsylvania's official health insurance marketplace, helps protect Pennsylvanians health while also protecting their wallet with affordable coverage. Those seeking health coverage can act now and explore their coverage options during Pennie's Open Enrollment Period, with Friday, December 15, 2023, being the deadline for coverage beginning New Year's Day. 

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Dear Providers,
The following communication contains important information about a link between whole and packaged cantaloupe products and an ongoing Salmonella outbreak.
Please see Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cantaloupes | CDC<https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/sundsvall-11-23/index.html>, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities and Childcare Centers are amongst the 117 reported illnesses linked to Salmonella from cantaloupes that may have a sticker that indicates "Malichita" or "Rudy," with the number "4050", and "Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique."
Adults 65 and older, children under 5 years, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get very sick 

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1115 Demonstration Public Comment

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is developing an 1115 Medicaid program, Bridges to Success: Keystones of Health for Pennsylvania (Keystones of Health). DHS hopes to use this program to make health care more accessible, improve quality of care and services, and design and evaluate innovative strategies in health care to help people live healthier lives. DHS’ goal and vision for the waiver is to address Pennsylvania’s Medicaid participants’ health-related social needs<https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demonstrations/health-related-social-needs/index.html> with interventions that are both lifesaving and cost saving. Visit the Keystones of Health webpage<https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Keystones-of-Health/Pages/default.aspx> for more details. 

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Funding Opportunity Information - Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program

The purpose of this email is to announce that the Department of Health (DOH) is sharing a Request for Application (RFA) announcement for the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program<https://www.emarketplace.state.pa.us/Solicitations.aspx?SID=RFA67-179>. The purpose of the RFA is to implement a self-monitoring blood pressure program in the community-based organizations. It is currently being done in YMCAs and this RFA aims to expand this to other organizations to expand reach and increase access. The RFA aims to fund seven grantees with each grantee being funded $40,100.00 for the fiscal year. 

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Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) Transportation Summit

OLTL will be hosting a Transportation Summit webinar on Monday, December 11, 2023, from 1:00 pm. to 4:00 pm. The Transportation Summit is an open forum for anyone interested in transportation-related issues in the CHC Program. There will be presentations by various staff from the Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP), the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Community HealthChoices (CHC) Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), MTM, the Coordinated Transportation Solutions (CTS) organization, etc… See below for webinar information and the link to join.
During the webinar, there will be three ways for individuals to 

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Dear Providers,

Please see the information below from the United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) related to a consumer warning and ongoing investigation into elevated lead levels in apple sauce pouches from several major brands: FDA Investigation of Elevated Lead Levels in Applesauce Pouches<https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-levels-applesauce-pouches-november-2023>:

Investigation of Elevated Lead Levels: Applesauce Pouches (November 2023) 

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The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) is presenting a live, interactive, six-session webinar series on housing issues.

When
November 14, 2023 - December 19, 2023 (every Tuesday) from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm

Format
The webinars will include targeted content and question and answer (Q&A) sessions with housing experts and OLTL staff. Each session is scheduled for 90 minutes to allow for interaction and Q&A segments. 

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The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing the following helpful COMPASS website and myCOMPASS pa mobile app message from the Pennsylvania (PA) Department of Human Services (DHS) Helper Listserv as information. To learn how you can become a PA DHS Helper, please visit the Medical Assistance & CHIP Renewals Webpage<https://www.dhs.pa.gov/phe/Pages/default.aspx> and click on "Become a Helper" on the right-hand sidebar. 

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The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) is sharing the message below, from the Pennsylvania (PA) Department of Health (DOH) with you as information. Please help PA Department of Human Services (DHS) share this information as widely as possible, to inform Pennsylvanians about the DOH Listening Session – Patient Access to Controlled Substances:
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) invites you to participate in an information-gathering listening session regarding patient access to controlled substances in Pennsylvania. An informational paper is attached that will provide relevant background and questions for you to consider in advance of the session.
The Listening Session 

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Please read the important press release below from the Department of Human Services regarding the Shapiro Administration reminding Pennsylvanians and Providers that Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) covers COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and treatment costs. The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing this message here for your information. 

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On behalf of The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Board, the Office of Long-Term Living is sharing the following message and the attached flier with you as information. Please also share the message with any interested individuals. Thank you:

Pennsylvania Workforce Plan Listening Sessions

The PA Workforce Development Board invites you to provide input on Pennsylvania's 2024-2028 workforce development strategies for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) state plan. 

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On behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, the Office of Long-Term Living is sharing the following message with you as information. Please also share the message with any interested individuals. Thank you :

Pennsylvania Master Plan for Older Adults - White Paper

As we work collaboratively toward the development of the Pennsylvania's Master Plan for Older Adults, the Department is pleased to share with you the Master Plan White Paper<https://www.aging.pa.gov/publications/MasterPlan/Documents/MP%20Reference%20Document%20-%20Final.pdf>. 

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Vendor Announcement for Financial Management Services

The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) is pleased to announce that Public Partnerships, LLC, has been selected as the new statewide Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent (VF/EA) for Financial Management Services (FMS) for Fee for Service OLTL-administered programs related to (Request for Application) RFA 07-21. The VF/EA performs fiscal-related functions for the successful operation of participant direction for multiple home and community-based waivers managed by OLTL. FMS reduce the employer-related burden for participants while making sure Medicaid and Commonwealth funds used to pay for services and supports are managed and disbursed appropriately as authorized. The new 

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The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), is offering a webinar on the topic of the PA Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Savings Program. A PA ABLE account gives individuals with qualifying disabilities (eligible individuals), and their families and friends, a tax-free way to save for disability-related expenses while maintaining government benefits. Federal and state law authorized the creation of PA ABLE accounts. The Presentation will be given by a Representative of the PA Treasury Department. 

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Criminal History Background Check and Child Abuse History Clearances- Clarification

The Office of Long-Term Living is sending this message to clarify criminal history background checks and child abuse history requirements.

In accordance with 55 Pa. Code § 52.19(d)<https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/055/chapter52/s52.19.html>, hiring policies shall be in accordance with the PA Department of Aging's (PDA) Older Adults Protective Services Act policy as posted on the PDA website. The Criminal History Background Checks page<https://www.aging.pa.gov/organization/advocacy-and-protection/Pages/Criminal-History-Background-Checks.aspx> of the PDA website contains an OAPSA and Act 28 Summary<https://www.aging.pa.gov/organization/advocacy-and-protection/Documents/Acts%20Three%20Panel%20updated%202016.pdf> which summarizes criminal history background checks. The process is as follows: 

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The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) is sharing the message below, from the Pennsylvania (PA) Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary’s Office, with you as information. Please help PA DHS share this information as widely as possible, to inform Pennsylvanians about the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) which may be able to help them or others they know. Thank you. 

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Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) Listen and Learn Sessions

OLTL is asking providers to please help us spread the message below and the attached information, by sharing it with the OLTL participants you serve. Your service to OLTL program participants is very much appreciated. Thank you:

The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) provides Medical Assistance (MA) coverage and long-term services and supports to seniors and adults with physical disabilities through the Community HealthChoices, OBRA, Act 150, and Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) programs. If you receive services through one of these programs, OLTL wants to hear from you. OLTL 

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Public Comments on the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) Community HealthChoices (CHC) Request for Information (RFI)

Public comments on the OLTL CHC RFI were collected between March 6, 2023 and April 14, 2023. A document containing a summary of those public comments is found on the Department of Human Services CHC Supporting Documents webpage<https://www.dhs.pa.gov/HealthChoices/HC-Services/Pages/CHC-Supporting-Documents.aspx> under the heading Public Input. A copy of that document is also attached to this email for your convenience. 

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New Executive Leadership at the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL)
Deputy Secretary
Many of you may have already had the pleasure of meeting OLTL's new Deputy Secretary, Juliet Marsala who joined OLTL on April 17, 2023. Juliet is a skilled executive with more than 15 years of experience focused on aging and disability, community-based and long-term care.
She has been leading the transformation of community-based organizations' (CBOs) operations to provide social services more effectively to vulnerable populations in home and community-based services (HCBS) and long-term services and supports (LTSS). Her experience spans aging and disability services, managed care, nursing home 

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The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), is offering a webinar on the topic of the PA Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Savings Program. A PA ABLE account gives individuals with qualifying disabilities (eligible individuals), and their families and friends, a tax-free way to save for disability-related expenses while maintaining government benefits. Federal and state law authorized the creation of PA ABLE accounts. The Presentation will be given by a Representative of the PA Treasury Department. 

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The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) is presenting a live, interactive, six-session webinar series on housing issues.

When
May 24, 2023 - June 28, 2023 (every Wednesday) from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm

Format
The webinars will include targeted content and question and answer (Q&A) sessions with housing experts and OLTL staff. Each session is scheduled for 90 minutes to allow for interaction and Q&A segments. 

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Protective Services for Adults Proposed Regulation for Public Comment

The Saturday, April 22, 2023, Volume 53, Number 16 issue of the Pennsylvania Bulletin<https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol53/53-16/535.html> contains a public notice announcing the proposed Protective Services for Adults Regulation.

Interested persons are invited to submit written comments, suggestions, or objections regarding this proposed rulemaking within 30 calendar days after the date of publication of this proposed rulemaking in the Pennsylvania Bulletin to: 

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The purpose of this email is to announce that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved the Office of Long-Term Living's (OLTL) Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver amendment. The amendment took effect April 1, 2023.

The current approved CHC Waiver document can be viewed on the following website: CHC-Supporting Documents (pa.gov)<https://www.dhs.pa.gov/HealthChoices/HC-Services/Pages/CHC-Supporting-Documents.aspx>. The link to the current approved CHC Waiver can be found under the heading, "Community HealthChoices 1915(b) Managed Care and 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Waivers." 

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The purpose of this email is to announce that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved the Office of Long-Term Living's (OLTL) OBRA Waiver amendment. The amendment took effect April 1, 2023.

The current approved OBRA Waiver document can be viewed on the following website: OBRA (pa.gov)<https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Disabilities-Aging/Pages/OBRA.aspx>.

Changes in the approved OBRA Waiver amendment<https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Disabilities-Aging/Pages/OBRA.aspx> include: 

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Request for Information – Office of Long-Term Living Community HealthChoices Program

The Department of Human Services (Department) is seeking input from vendors and other stakeholders on the specific measures it may undertake to improve the quality, consistency and effectiveness of the Office of Long-Term Living’s (OLTL) Community HealthChoices (CHC) program.
On March 6, 2023, the Department released a Request for Information (RFI) to gather input and information concerning the CHC program administered by the Department’s OLTL. You can view the RFI<http://www.emarketplace.state.pa.us/Solicitations.aspx?SID=OLTL%20Community%20HealthChoices%20RFI> on eMarketplace<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emarketplace.state.pa.us%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cermccoy%40pa.gov%7Cae2061196fe548def2cc08db1e55d33b%7C418e284101284dd59b6c47fc5a9a1bde%7C0%7C0%7C638137126192209509%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=fvBhDRVYFU2UF8I1yvUG4Ska66WZS1Z3CB6pVTwa5Ds%3D&reserved=0>.
Specifically, this RFI seeks information to assist the Department in gathering stakeholder feedback on the statement of 

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The information below is being shared with you on behalf of the PA Department of Human Services (DHS). Please share the message with others who may be interested in becoming a Helper.
Dear partners,

The federal government has confirmed that the continuous coverage requirement for Medicaid will officially end March 31, 2023. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) will reinstate Medical Assistance (MA) and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) renewal requirements and eligibility processing as of April 1, 2023. 

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The purpose of this email is to announce that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved the renewal of the Community HealthChoices (CHC) 1915(b) waiver effective January 1, 2023, for a 5-year period. Under the 1915(b) waiver, Pennsylvania operates the CHC managed care program.

As part of the CHC 1915(b) waiver renewal, the Office of Long-Term Living was required to obtain an independent evaluation or assessment of its CHC waiver program and submit the findings when renewing the CHC 1915(b) waiver. 

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The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), is offering a webinar on the topic of the PA Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Savings Program. A PA ABLE account gives individuals with qualifying disabilities (eligible individuals), and their families and friends, a tax-free way to save for disability-related expenses while maintaining government benefits. Federal and state law authorized the creation of PA ABLE accounts. The Presentation will be given by a Representative of the PA Treasury Department. 

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Please read the important press release below from the Department of Human Services regarding the Shapiro Administration urging Medical Assistance and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) recipients to update their contact information prior to the imminent federal changes that will impact renewals. The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing this message here for your information. 

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Financial Management Services (FMS) Stakeholder Meeting Notice

This email is to provide notice of an FMS Stakeholder meeting scheduled for Friday, January 6, 2023, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. This public meeting will be to discuss the administration of FMS under the Community HealthChoices (CHC), OBRA Waiver and Act 150 programs. Representatives from the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) and CHC Managed Care Organizations will be in attendance to discuss the FMS program. 

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Pennsylvania Plans to Expand the Living Independence for the Elderly Program (LIFE) into Multiple Counties in an effort to offer LIFE as an Enrollment Option to Seniors Statewide

The Department of Human Services, Office of Long-Term Living posted a notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, Volume 52, Number 49, on Saturday December 3, 2022 called "Expanding the Living Independence for the Elderly Program (LIFE) to Multiple Counties". A link to the posting can be found below. Organizations who are interested in applying to operate a LIFE program in any of the following counties should carefully review the posting: Carbon, Monroe, Adams, 

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OBRA Waiver Amendment
In December 2022, the Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) will be submitting an amendment to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for the OBRA 1915(c) home and community-based waiver. To view a side-by-side comparison of the current and revised language, and to access the amendment in its entirety, please go to the OLTL Waiver Amendments, Renewals, and Accompanying HCBS Transition Plans<https://www.dhs.pa.gov/contact/DHS-Offices/Pages/OLTL-Waiver-Amendments-and-Renewals.aspx> webpage.
On this site, select "2023 OBRA Waiver Amendment" under "Additional Resources."
All documents are available in alternate format and in paper copy upon request by calling the OLTL 

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Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver Amendment
In December 2022, the Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) will be submitting an amendment to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for the CHC 1915(c) home and community-based waiver. To view a side-by-side comparison of the current and revised language, and to access the amendment in its entirety, please go to the OLTL Waiver Amendments, Renewals, and Accompanying HCBS Transition Plans<https://www.dhs.pa.gov/contact/DHS-Offices/Pages/OLTL-Waiver-Amendments-and-Renewals.aspx> webpage.
On this site, select "2023 Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver Amendment" under "Additional Resources."
All documents are available in alternate format and in paper copy upon 

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Thank you for attending the Long-Term Care (LTC) Medical Assistance (MA) Renewal Training Webinar that took place on October 24, 2022. Attached are the slides for the presentation.
For anyone who was unable to attend, a video recording of the LTC MA Renewal Training Webinar<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUYL2oxAoCg> is available from the PA Department of Human Services (DHS). We are working on answering the questions submitted before and during the presentation and will send out a Q&A document when it's complete.
In the meantime, if you or another organization or community partner you work with is interested in signing up to be a 

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The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) is sharing the message below on behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. As a result of this message, OLTL will no longer send a weekly "Community Spread Threshold High Percentage Positivity Rates" message to this listserv.

The PA Department of Aging will no longer be emailing a weekly COVID-19 data report to you. The COVID-19 percent positivity rate (PCR) and other pertinent information by county is now available on the PA Department of Health's COVID-19 Early Warning Monitoring System Dashboard<https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Monitoring-Dashboard.aspx>. 

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Dear Providers,

This communication is intended to inform you of an update to Pennsylvania's Criminal Code, Title 18<https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/18/18.HTM>.

Act 61 of 2022<https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/li/uconsCheck.cfm?yr=2022&sessInd=0&act=61> took effect on September 9th, 2022. Act 61 adds subsection 3124.2-Institutional Sexual Assault-to Title 18 and indicates that a caretaker engaging in sexual intercourse, deviate sexual intercourse, or indecent contact with a care-dependent person is committing a felony of the third degree. 

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The purpose of this email is to provide the PCR rates by county for Pennsylvania. Please note the format has been revised from previous correspondence. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19.
THE REPORT IS ATTACHED
The Department of Aging recommends that older adult daily living centers continue 

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The purpose of this email is to provide the PCR rates by county for Pennsylvania. Please note the format has been revised from previous correspondence. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

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The purpose of this email is to announce that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved an amendment to the Office of Long-Term Living's (OLTL) OBRA Waiver. The amendment took effect October 1, 2022.

Changes in the approved OBRA Waiver amendment<https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Disabilities-Aging/Pages/OBRA.aspx> include:

* Revised cost neutrality estimates to reflect an 8% rate increase to Personal Assistance Services (PAS).
* This rate change was initially implemented as an Appendix K amendment approved by CMS on December 13, 2021, and effective January 1, 2022. The intent of the change is to strengthen and enhance the direct care workforce and 

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The purpose of this email is to provide the PCR rates by county for Pennsylvania. Please note the format has been revised from previous correspondence. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19.
THE REPORT IS ATTACHED
The Department of Aging recommends that older adult daily living centers continue 

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The purpose of this communication is to remind Older Adult Daily Living Centers enrolled with the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) of the requirements under 6 Pa. Code §11.152(3) (relating to food provided or arranged for by center) that states, "if the center provides or arranges meals for clients...at least one complete meal shall be provided if the client is at the center for 4 or more hours. If a client is at the center for more than 6 hours, a nutritional snack shall also be provided." This requirement has not been waived due to COVID-19. If your agency has 

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Financial Management Services (FMS) Stakeholder Meeting Notice

This email is to provide notice of an FMS Stakeholder meeting scheduled for Friday, October 7, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. This public meeting will be to discuss upcoming changes for the administration of FMS under the Community HealthChoices (CHC), OBRA Waiver and Act 150 programs. Representatives from the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) and CHC Managed Care Organizations will be in attendance to discuss upcoming changes. 

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The purpose of this email is to provide the PCR rates by county for Pennsylvania. Please note the format has been revised from previous correspondence. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19.
THE REPORT IS ATTACHED
The Department of Aging recommends that older adult daily living centers continue 

[More ...]

The purpose of this email is to provide the PCR rates by county for Pennsylvania. Please note the format has been revised from previous correspondence. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

The purpose of this email is to provide the PCR rates by county for Pennsylvania. Please note the format has been revised from previous correspondence. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

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Financial Management Services (FMS) Stakeholder Meeting Notice

This email is to provide notice of an FMS Stakeholder meeting scheduled for Friday, October 7, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. This public meeting will be to discuss upcoming changes for the administration of FMS under the Community HealthChoices (CHC), OBRA Waiver and Act 150 programs. Representatives from the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) and CHC Managed Care Organizations will be in attendance to discuss upcoming changes. 

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This communication is to update and replace the ListServ email sent on September 7, 2022, regarding the subject: "Long-Term Care Renewals Refresher Training and Assistance." The registration link has been added in a format that's not imbedded, as some providers reported trouble accessing the registration through the imbedded link. Please disregard the previous communication. 

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The purpose of this email is to provide the PCR rates by county for Pennsylvania. Please note the format has been revised from previous correspondence. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19.
THE REPORT IS ATTACHED
The Department of Aging recommends that older adult daily living centers continue 

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Long-Term Care Renewals Refresher Training and Assistance

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is preparing for the end of the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE). When the PHE ends, DHS will resume closing Medicaid cases for ineligible recipients. We want all recipients that remain eligible to keep their coverage and complete their renewals timely. You can help by making sure that you are prepared to assist the individuals you work with to complete their renewal when it is due, now and after the PHE ends. 

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Good morning,
The purpose of this email is to provide the PCR rates by county for Pennsylvania. Please note the format has been revised from previous correspondence. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19.
THE REPORT IS ATTACHED
The Department of Aging recommends that older adult daily living 

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Financial Management Services (FMS) Stakeholder Meeting Notice

This email is to provide notice of an FMS Stakeholder meeting scheduled for Friday, September 2, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. This public meeting will be to discuss upcoming changes for the administration of FMS under the Community HealthChoices (CHC), OBRA Waiver and Act 150 programs. Representatives from the Office of Long-Term Living and CHC Managed Care Organizations will be in attendance to discuss upcoming changes. 

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Please send the message below to the LIFE listserv, same subject as above. No logo. Thanks.

The purpose of this email is to provide the PCR rates by county for Pennsylvania. Please note the format has been revised from previous correspondence. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

The purpose of this email is to provide the PCR rates by county for Pennsylvania. Please note the format has been revised from previous correspondence. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

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Financial Management Services (FMS) Stakeholder Meeting Notice

This email is to provide notice of an FMS Stakeholder meeting scheduled for Friday, September 2, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. This public meeting will be to discuss upcoming changes for the administration of FMS under the Community HealthChoices (CHC), OBRA Waiver and Act 150 programs. Representatives from the Office of Long-Term Living and CHC Managed Care Organizations will be in attendance to discuss upcoming changes. 

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NOTE: If you received the message below from another source, please note that we have made two corrections to the original message. The subject line of this message shows the Community Spread Threshold High Percentage Positivity Rates are for August 3rd through August 9th, not through August 8th. Also, the overall Percentage Positivity Rate for Pennsylvania has been added. 

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The purpose of this email is to address the PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

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NOTE: There are two corrected values in the High Threshold Range section of this message
The purpose of this email is to address the PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19.
The Department of Aging recommends that older adult daily living 

[More ...]

The purpose of this email is to address the PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19.
The Department of Aging recommends that older adult daily living centers continue to consider PCR rates, when making decisions for your center and participants. Day 

[More ...]

The purpose of this email is to address the PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19.
The Department of Aging recommends that older adult daily living centers continue to consider PCR rates, when making decisions for your center and participants. Day 

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Financial Management Services (FMS) Stakeholder Meeting Notice

This email is to provide notice of an FMS Stakeholder meeting scheduled for Friday, August 5, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. This public meeting will be to discuss upcoming changes for the administration of FMS under the Community HealthChoices (CHC), OBRA Waiver and Act 150 programs. Representatives from the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) and CHC Managed Care Organizations will be in attendance to discuss upcoming changes. 

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The purpose of this email is to address the PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19.
The Department of Aging recommends that older adult daily living centers continue to consider PCR rates, when making decisions for your center and participants. Day 

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THIS WEEK, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ISSUED THEIR WEEKLY UPDATE ON THURSDAY INSTEAD OF WEDNESDAY

The purpose of this email is to address the PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

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The Department of Human Services (DHS) is preparing for the eventual end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE). Under the federal COVID-19 PHE declaration, Pennsylvania has continued Medical Assistance (MA) coverage for most people unless they moved out-of-state, passed away, or asked to end their MA. When the federal PHE ends, DHS must determine if people are still eligible for MA. MA recipients will have to complete a renewal to maintain their MA coverage. 

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CHC FMS Transition - Tempus Timesheet Submission

Participants using self-directed services who have Direct Care Workers (DCWs or Caregivers) who are having trouble using Tempus' Evvie app, Evvie portal or Interactive Voice Response (IVR) should immediately submit a paper timesheet to Tempus to record shifts worked during the recent pay period. 

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The purpose of this email is to address the PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19.
The Department of Aging recommends that older adult daily living centers continue to consider PCR rates, when making decisions for your center and participants. Day 

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The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) is presenting a live, interactive webinar series on housing issues. This five-session series will be offered twice (see schedule below). The webinars will include targeted content including question and answer (Q&A) sessions with housing experts and OLTL staff. Each session is scheduled for 90 minutes to allow for interaction and Q&A segments. 

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ATTENTION: In-Person Drop-in Sessions for Participants in Community HealthChoices (CHC) Participant-Directed Services

Tempus is taking over your Fiscal/Employer Agent Services for CHC Participant-Directed Services.

Direct Care Workers (DCW) must enter and approve time in Tempus' system. The three options are the Evvie App, the Evvie Portal or Interactive Voice Response (IVR) phone-based visit verification. Common Law Employers (CLE) will then need to approve time using either Evvie Portal or IVR. The start date for time entry and/or approval varies by payroll. DCWs on Payroll A should have started entering time on June 5th, 2022 and those on Payroll B should 

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The purpose of this email is to address the PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

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ATTENTION: In-Person Drop-in Sessions for Participants in Community HealthChoices (CHC) Participant-Directed Services

Tempus is taking over your Fiscal/Employer Agent Services for CHC Participant-Directed Services.

Direct Care Workers (DCW) must enter and approve time in Tempus' system. The three options are the Evvie App, the Evvie Portal or Interactive Voice Response (IVR) phone-based visit verification. Common Law Employers (CLE) will then need to approve time using either Evvie Portal or IVR. The start date for time entry and/or approval varies by payroll. DCWs on Payroll A should have started entering time on June 5th, 2022 and those on Payroll B should 

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Please read the message below from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Department of Human Services about the Pennsylvania transit options and transportation assistance programs. The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing this message for your information. Please share it with anyone who could benefit from these transit options or transport assistance programs. 

[More ...]

The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing this message from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Please read and share this message with your contacts to help protect our military veterans. Thank you.

Spread the Word!

Join the DMVA in raising awareness about scams and exploitation involving veteran benefits

There are nearly 800,000 veterans in Pennsylvania and over half of them are age 60 and older. 

[More ...]

The purpose of this email is to address the PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Financial Management Services (FMS) Stakeholder Meeting Notice

This email is to provide notice of an FMS Stakeholder meeting scheduled for Friday, June 17, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. This public meeting will be to discuss upcoming changes for the administration of FMS under the Community HealthChoices (CHC), OBRA Waiver and Act 150 programs. Representatives from the Office of Long-Term Living and CHC Managed Care Organizations will be in attendance to discuss upcoming changes. 

[More ...]

The purpose of this email is to address the PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

ATTENTION: In-Person Drop-in Sessions for Participants in Community HealthChoices (CHC) Participant-Directed Services

Tempus will soon be taking over your Fiscal/Employer Agent Services for CHC Participant-Directed Services.

You and your direct care worker (DCW) must complete transition packets and attend Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) training.

Starting May 10, 2022, Tempus and the CHC-Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) will be holding In-Person Drop-in Sessions to help you complete your Common Law Employer (CLE) and DCW packets and provide training on how to use the EVV system. 

[More ...]

ATTENTION: In-Person Drop-in Sessions for Participants in Community HealthChoices (CHC) Participant-Directed Services

Tempus will soon be taking over your Fiscal/Employer Agent Services for CHC Participant-Directed Services.

You and your direct care worker (DCW) must complete transition packets and attend Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) training.

Starting May 10, 2022, Tempus and the CHC-Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) will be holding In-Person Drop-in Sessions to help you complete your Common Law Employer (CLE) and DCW packets and provide training on how to use the EVV system. 

[More ...]

ATTENTION: In-Person Drop-in Sessions for Participants in Community HealthChoices (CHC) Participant-Directed Services

Tempus will soon be taking over your Fiscal/Employer Agent Services for CHC Participant-Directed Services.

You and your direct care worker (DCW) must complete transition packets and attend Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) training.

Starting May 10, 2022, Tempus and the CHC-Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) will be holding In-Person Drop-in Sessions to help you complete your Common Law Employer (CLE) and DCW packets and provide training on how to use the EVV system. 

[More ...]

The purpose of this email is to address the PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

ATTENTION: In-Person Drop-in Sessions for Participants in Community HealthChoices (CHC) Participant-Directed Services

Tempus will soon be taking over your Fiscal/Employer Agent Services for CHC Participant-Directed Services.

You and your direct care worker (DCW) must complete transition packets and attend Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) training.

Starting May 10, 2022, Tempus and the CHC-Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) will be holding In-Person Drop-in Sessions to help you complete your Common Law Employer (CLE) and DCW packets and provide training on how to use the EVV system. 

[More ...]

ATTENTION: In-Person Drop-in Sessions for Participants in Community HealthChoices (CHC) Participant-Directed Services

Tempus will soon be taking over your Fiscal/Employer Agent Services for CHC Participant-Directed Services.

You and your direct care worker (DCW) must complete transition packets and attend Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) training.

Starting May 10, 2022, Tempus and the CHC-Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) will be holding In-Person Drop-in Sessions to help you complete your Common Law Employer (CLE) and DCW packets and provide training on how to use the EVV system. 

[More ...]

ATTENTION: In-Person Drop-in Sessions for Participants in Community HealthChoices (CHC) Participant-Directed Services

Tempus will soon be taking over your Fiscal/Employer Agent Services for CHC Participant-Directed Services.

You and your direct care worker (DCW) must complete transition packets and attend Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) training.

Starting May 10, 2022, Tempus and the CHC-Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) will be holding In-Person Drop-in Sessions to help you complete your Common Law Employer (CLE) and DCW packets and provide training on how to use the EVV system. 

[More ...]

In-Person Drop-in Sessions for Participants in Community HealthChoices (CHC) Participant-Directed Services- Philadelphia Site

"The Philadelphia on-site Financial Management Service (FMS) Transition session is very busy with very long wait times. We are working on setting up an additional session next week at a nearby location. Details will be shared as soon as possible. Avoid the long lines and download the "Evvie" app now and review the online EVV training<https://pa.tempusunlimited.org/training-materials/>. We are sorry for any inconvenience." 

[More ...]

ATTENTION: In-Person Drop-in Sessions for Participants in Community HealthChoices (CHC) Participant-Directed Services

Tempus will soon be taking over your Fiscal/Employer Agent Services for CHC Participant-Directed Services.

You and your direct care worker (DCW) must complete transition packets and attend Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) training.

Starting May 10, 2022, Tempus and the CHC-Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) will be holding In-Person Drop-in Sessions to help you complete your Common Law Employer (CLE) and DCW packets and provide training on how to use the EVV system. 

[More ...]

ATTENTION: In-Person Drop-in Sessions for Participants in Community HealthChoices (CHC) Participant-Directed Services

Tempus will soon be taking over your Fiscal/Employer Agent Services for CHC Participant-Directed Services.

You and your direct care worker (DCW) must complete transition packets and attend Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) training.

Starting May 10, 2022, Tempus and the CHC-Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) will be holding In-Person Drop-in Sessions to help you complete your Common Law Employer (CLE) and DCW packets and provide training on how to use the EVV system. 

[More ...]

The Department of Health is now updating COVID-19 positivity rates on Wednesdays instead of Fridays.

You now will receive the report on county-by-county positivity rates on Wednesdays.

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is 

[More ...]

The Department of Health is now updating COVID-19 positivity rates on Wednesdays instead of Fridays.

You now will receive the report on county-by-county positivity rates on Wednesdays.

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is 

[More ...]

ATTENTION: In-Person Drop-in Sessions for Participants in Community HealthChoices (CHC) Participant-Directed Services

Tempus will soon be taking over your Fiscal/Employer Agent Services for CHC Participant-Directed Services.

You and your direct care worker (DCW) must complete transition packets and attend Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) training.

Starting May 10, 2022, Tempus and the CHC-Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) will be holding In-Person Drop-in Sessions to help you complete your Common Law Employer (CLE) and DCW packets and provide training on how to use the EVV system. 

[More ...]

If you received an earlier version of this message from another source, please disregard the previous communication. The percentages now reported are in agreement with the Chart.

CORRECTED

Good Morning,

The purpose of this email is to address the PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the 

[More ...]

Good Morning,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Financial Management Services (FMS) Stakeholder Meeting Notice

This email is to provide notice of an FMS Stakeholder meeting scheduled for Friday, May 6, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. This public meeting will be to discuss upcoming changes for the administration of FMS under the Community HealthChoices (CHC), OBRA Waiver and Act 150 programs. Representatives from the Office of Long-Term Living and CHC Managed Care Organizations will be in attendance to discuss upcoming changes. 

[More ...]

Good Afternoon,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

April 12, 2022 Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee Meeting
Attendance via phone/webinar
If you wish to participate in the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Subcommittee meeting on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, the meeting will be held via webinar from 10 a.m. - 1.p.m.
Meeting Topics
Comments received by the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) during the Agency With Choice (AWC) Request for Information (RFI) period will be discussed during the meeting, along with other topics.
Public Comments
Public comments will be taken after each presentation. Questions can be entered into the chat box during the presentations, and these questions will 

[More ...]

Please read the message below from the Department of Human Services about enrolling in text alerts. The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing this message for your information. Please share it with anyone who could benefit from enrolling in text alerts.

[cid:image001.png@01D84828.B4EBE5C0]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2022 

Department of Human Services Encourages Pennsylvanians Receiving Benefits to Update Contact Information, Enroll in Text Alerts to Receive Timely Updates on Benefits   

[More ...]

Good morning,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Good morning,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Financial Management Services (FMS) Stakeholder Meeting Notice

This email is to provide notice of an FMS Stakeholder meeting scheduled for Friday, April 1, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. This public meeting will be to discuss upcoming changes for the administration of FMS under the Community HealthChoices (CHC), OBRA Waiver and Act 150 programs. Representatives from the Office of Long-Term Living and CHC Managed Care Organizations will be in attendance to discuss upcoming changes. 

[More ...]

In October of 2020, the Department of Aging and the Department of Human Services announced guidance for Adult Day Centers and Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) providers to follow in an effort to protect against community spread of COVID-19. This guidance has been in place for nearly 15 months. Due to declines in county COVID-19 test positivity rates, as well as recent masking announcements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) is no longer requiring LIFE Providers to comply with the temporary closure and reopening guidelines (attached). LIFE providers who are 

[More ...]

Please read the message below about the new solicitation for the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) Agency with Choice Request for Information (RFI) which was recently released by the Bureau of Procurement & Contract Management. The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing this message here for your information:

The Department of Human Services has posted the following solicitation, OLTL Agency with Choice RFI for The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services ("DHS" or "Department"). The Office of Administration, Bureau of Procurement & Contract Management issues this Request for Information ("RFI") to gather input and information concerning the implementation of Agency with 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

If you received an earlier version of this message from another source with Venango County listed in the Substantial Threshold Range, please disregard the previous communication. The percentages reported below are in agreement with the COVID-19 Early Warming Monitoring System Dashboard.

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to 

[More ...]

Financial Management Services (FMS) Stakeholder Meeting Notice

This email is to provide notice of an FMS Stakeholder meeting scheduled for Friday, March 4, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. This public meeting will be to discuss upcoming changes for the administration of FMS under the Community HealthChoices (CHC), OBRA Waiver and Act 150 programs. Representatives from the Office of Long-Term Living and CHC Managed Care Organizations will be in attendance to discuss upcoming changes. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Adult Protective Services Media Toolkit

The Department of Human Services' (DHS) Division of Adult Protective Services (APS) developed a media toolkit designed for facilities, mandatory reporters, and community members to assist in the awareness of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and abandonment of adults ages 18 to 59 living with a disability within the commonwealth. 

[More ...]

Financial Management Services (FMS) Stakeholder Meeting Notice

This email is to provide notice of an FMS Stakeholder meeting scheduled for Friday, February 18, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. This public meeting will be to discuss upcoming changes for the administration of FMS under the Community HealthChoices (CHC), OBRA Waiver and Act 150 programs. Representatives from the Office of Long-Term Living and CHC Managed Care Organizations will be in attendance to discuss upcoming changes. 

[More ...]

This message is to correct and replace the ListServ email sent on February 14, 2022, with the subject "Community Spread Threshold High Percentage Positivity Rates for Week Ending 2/11/2022". The percentages reported below are now in agreement with the COVID-19 Early Warning Monitoring System Dashboard. Please disregard the previous communication. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

The article below from the February 4, 2021 issue of the PA Department of Human Services' (DHS) 'The Impact' newsletter is being shared here for you information. Please share the article with others who may benefit from having this information.

This article can also be accessed using this link to the February 4, 2021 issue<https://mailchi.mp/88283d094f7f/cellular-carriers-to-phase-out-3g-networks?e=%5bUNIQID>. Subscribe to the newsletter, or view previous issues of 'The Impact' on the Email Campaign Archive<https://us13.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=9f338c73cbc65f9e26e410ea8&id=38b57a595b> page. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Financial Management Services (FMS) Stakeholder Meeting Notice

This email is to provide notice of an FMS Stakeholder meeting scheduled for Friday, February 4, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. This public meeting will be to discuss upcoming changes for the administration of FMS under the Community HealthChoices (CHC), OBRA Waiver and Act 150 programs. Representatives from the Office of Long-Term Living and CHC Managed Care Organizations will be in attendance to discuss upcoming changes. Meeting details are below: 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Financial Management Services (FMS) Stakeholder Meeting Notice

This email is to provide notice of an FMS Stakeholder meeting scheduled for Friday, February 4, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. This public meeting will be to discuss upcoming changes for the administration of FMS under the Community HealthChoices (CHC), OBRA Waiver and Act 150 programs. Representatives from the Office of Long-Term Living and CHC Managed Care Organizations will be in attendance to discuss upcoming changes. Meeting details are below: 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Good morning,

Happy New Year! I hope that you had a wonderful holiday season and were able to take time to rest, relax, and safely spend time with family and friends.

I'm sharing a video message from Acting Secretary of DHS Meg Snead<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgVx7nIvKcQ> to thank you for all you do for the individuals you serve. I hope you will watch and share it with your teams. On behalf of Acting Secretary Snead, please know how grateful I and all of us here at DHS are for each of you. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Financial Management Services (FMS) Stakeholder Meeting Notice

This email is to provide notice of an FMS Stakeholder meeting scheduled for Friday, January 7, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. This public meeting will be to discuss upcoming changes for the administration of FMS under the Community HealthChoices (CHC), OBRA Waiver and Act 150 programs. Representatives from the Office of Long-Term Living and CHC Managed Care Organizations will be in attendance to discuss upcoming changes. Meeting details are below: 

[More ...]

This message is to correct and replace the ListServ email sent on December 27, 2021 with the subject "Community Spread Threshold High Percentage Positivity Rates for Week Ending 12/24/2021". Cambria County has been removed from the substantial threshold list. It now appears under the moderate threshold list. Please disregard the previous communication. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,
The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

[cid:image001.jpg@01D7F344.F1FFFC50]

The purpose of this email is to announce that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved the Office of Long-Term Living's (OLTL) Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver amendment. The amendment is effective January 1, 2022.

The CHC Waiver can be viewed at the following link: Application for 1915(c) HCBS Waiver: PA.0386.R04.07 - Jan 01, 2022 (as of Jan 01, 2022)<https://www.dhs.pa.gov/HealthChoices/HC-Providers/Documents/2022%20CHC%20Waiver%200386.R04.07.PDF> 

[More ...]

[cid:image001.jpg@01D7F344.F1FFFC50]

The purpose of this email is to announce that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved the Office of Long-Term Living's (OLTL) Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver amendment. The amendment is effective January 1, 2022.

The CHC Waiver can be viewed at the following link: Application for 1915(c) HCBS Waiver: PA.0386.R04.07 - Jan 01, 2022 (as of Jan 01, 2022)<https://www.dhs.pa.gov/HealthChoices/HC-Providers/Documents/2022%20CHC%20Waiver%200386.R04.07.PDF> 

[More ...]

Please read the important information below from the Department of Human Services announcing the Enterprise Case Management (ECM) system website. The same information is attached in PDF format for your convenience. The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing this message here for your information.

Enterprise Case Management System Website Announcement

Project Goal: To improve service delivery and processes for DHS' clients, DHS staff, and business partners
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) is launching a website to share information about the ECM system up to and beyond implementation. The website is intended to communicate key information of the 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Reminder- Financial Management Services (FMS) Stakeholder Meeting Notice

This email is to provide notice of an FMS Stakeholder meeting scheduled for Friday, December 3, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. This public meeting will be to discuss upcoming changes for the administration of FMS under the Community HealthChoices (CHC), OBRA Waiver and Act 150 programs. Representatives from the Office of Long-Term Living and CHC Managed Care Organizations will be in attendance to discuss upcoming changes. The meeting agenda is attached. Meeting details are below: 

[More ...]

The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) announces a series of 60 minute live, interactive webinars on housing issues. In addition to targeted content, the live webinars feature Question and Answer (Q&A) sessions with housing experts and OLTL staff. This training is targeted to Service Coordinators and other managed care organization (MCO) and Service Coordination Entity (SCE) support staff who assist program participants in securing and maintaining affordable, accessible housing. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Financial Management Services (FMS) Stakeholder Meeting Notice

This email is to provide notice of an FMS Stakeholder meeting scheduled for Friday, December 3, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. This public meeting will be to discuss upcoming changes for the administration of FMS under the Community HealthChoices (CHC), OBRA Waiver and Act 150 programs. Representatives from the Office of Long-Term Living and CHC Managed Care Organizations will be in attendance to discuss upcoming changes. Meeting details are below: 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Financial Management Services (FMS) Stakeholder Meeting Notice

This email is to provide notice of an FMS Stakeholder meeting scheduled for Friday, November 5, 2021, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. This public meeting will be to discuss upcoming changes for the administration of FMS under the Community HealthChoices (CHC), OBRA Waiver and Act 150 programs. Representatives from the Office of Long-Term Living and CHC Managed Care Organizations will be in attendance to discuss upcoming changes. Meeting details are below: 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Financial Management Services (FMS) Stakeholder Meeting Notice

This email is to provide notice of an FMS Stakeholder meeting scheduled for Friday, November 5, 2021, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. This public meeting will be to discuss upcoming changes for the administration of FMS under the Community HealthChoices (CHC), OBRA Waiver and Act 150 programs. Representatives from the Office of Long-Term Living and CHC Managed Care Organizations will be in attendance to discuss upcoming changes. Meeting details are below: 

[More ...]

From: Barge, Kimberly <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 26, 2021 12:09 PM
To: Gregg, Karen <[log in to unmask]>
Cc: Boles, Megan <[log in to unmask]>; Hale, Michael <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: RE: FMS Stakeholder Meeting Notice- November 5, 2021

Hi Karen,

Have you been able to confirm the listserv message was distributed to both lists?

From: Barge, Kimberly

Financial Management Services (FMS) Stakeholder Meeting Notice

This email is to provide notice of an FMS Stakeholder meeting scheduled for Friday, November 5, 2021, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. This public meeting will be to discuss upcoming changes for the administration of FMS under the Community HealthChoices (CHC), OBRA 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Financial Management Services (FMS) Stakeholder Meeting Notice

This email is to provide notice of an FMS Stakeholder meeting scheduled for Friday, October 1, 2021, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. This public meeting will be to discuss upcoming changes for the administration of FMS under the Community HealthChoices (CHC), OBRA Waiver and Act 150 programs. Representatives from the Office of Long-Term Living and CHC Managed Care Organizations will be in attendance to discuss upcoming changes. Meeting details are below: 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

The purpose of this email is to address the increased PCR rates throughout the State of Pennsylvania This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

[cid:image001.jpg@01D797F9.89C92270]

Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver Amendment
In October 2021, the Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) will be submitting an amendment for the CHC 1915(c) home and community-based waiver to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). A side-by-side comparison of the current and revised language and the amendment in its entirety are available on the OLTL Waiver Amendments and Renewals webpage<https://www.dhs.pa.gov/contact/DHS-Offices/Pages/OLTL-Waiver-Amendments-and-Renewals.aspx>. On this site, select "2022 Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver Amendment" under "Additional Resources."
All documents are available in alternate format and in paper copy upon request by calling the OLTL Bureau of Policy 

[More ...]

The purpose of this communication is to remind Older Adult Daily Living Centers enrolled with the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) of the requirements under 6 Pa. Code §11.152(3) (relating to food provided or arranged for by center) that states, "if the center provides or arranges meals for clients...at least one complete meal shall be provided if the client is at the center for 4 or more hours. If a client is at the center for more than 6 hours, a nutritional snack shall also be provided." This requirement has not been waived due to COVID-19. If your agency has 

[More ...]

This message is to update and replace the Listserv email sent on July 26, 2021 with the subject "Call for Presenters: Protective Services Virtual Conference." The deadline for submitting a presentation proposal has been extended to August 20, 2021, instead of August 6, 2021. Please see the updated details below. 

[More ...]

Good afternoon,

Per Act 21 of 2021, the suspension of various regulatory provisions under the state disaster emergency declaration will expire on September 30, 2021. A list of the regulations that were suspended in whole or in part and their current status is available on the DHS website here<https://www.dhs.pa.gov/coronavirus/Pages/Suspended-Regulations-Reinstatement.aspx>. Please continue to watch this page for additional updates as we get closer to September 30th. 

[More ...]

View this email in your browser<https://mailchi.mp/pa.gov/presentercall?e=bd866f44ce>

CALL for PRESENTERS

[cid:image004.jpg@01D7822D.1AE603A0]

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging, Office of Protective Services and Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Adult Protective Services, are welcoming presenters for the 2021-2022 Protective Services Virtual Conference, October 6-7, 2021.

The 2021-2022 Protective Services Conference - 3R: Rapport | Responsibility | Risk Reduction - is a two-day virtual program with program content available for older adult and adult protective services coordinators and supervisors. 

[More ...]

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is available for renters of residential properties who are at risk of eviction or utility shutoffs due to hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Landlords can apply for assistance on behalf of tenants and receive assistance directly if the tenant is eligible. If you are in need of assistance, don't wait. Apply today. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

This email addresses the updated community threshold rates for the week ending 07/9/2021. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. This will be the last weekly Community Threshold High Percentage Positivity Rate email notification you will receive from the Department, at this time. 

[More ...]

The purpose of this email is notify stakeholders of updates related to the transition of Financial Management Services (FMS) in the Community HealthChoices (CHC) program. During the FMS Stakeholder meeting held May 13, 2021, the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) informed stakeholders that FMS was being transitioned from an OLTL-contracted vendor to an administrative function of the CHC Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). 

[More ...]

Good afternoon,

The American Rescue Plan of 2021 (ARP) provides a temporary 10% increase to the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for certain Medicaid expenditures for home and community-based services (HCBS). The funding must be used to enhance, expand, or strengthen HCBS beyond what is available under the Medicaid program as of April 1, 2021. 

[More ...]

Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy Among Direct Service Workers

On Thursday, July 1, 2021 from 3:00-4:30 pm ET, please join the Administration on Community Living (ACL) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for a webinar on Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy Among Direct Service Workers.

Vaccine uptake among direct service workers (DSWs) is particularly important for personal health and safety and to the many individuals that DSWs support, due to the high contact, personal nature of home care. However, DSWs experience many barriers to vaccination including culturally competent and accessible information, paid sick leave and/or time off, and transportation. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

This email addresses the updated community threshold rates for the week ending 06/18/2021. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Good afternoon,

As you may know, the American Rescue Plan of 2021 (ARP) provides a temporary 10% increase to the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for certain Medicaid expenditures for home and community-based services (HCBS). The funding must be used to enhance, expand, or strengthen HCBS beyond what is available under the Medicaid program as of April 1, 2021. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

This email addresses the updated community threshold rates for the week ending 06/11/2021. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Dear Day Center Provider,

This email addresses the guidance that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, related to the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities. These are closures related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19 and was present in the facility. The updated community threshold rate chart for the week ending 06/11/2021 indicates that the Percent Positivity rate (PCR); which is the percentage of people per 100,000 that test positive for COVID-19 within a 

[More ...]

On May 29, 2020, Governor Wolf signed Act 24 of 2020, which allocated funding from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to assist providers with COVID-19 related costs that were incurred between March 1, 2020 and November 30, 2020. Providers that accepted Act 24 funding agreed to provide documentation to the Department of Human Services (DHS) and were required to submit an Act 24 cost report through a web-based portal between December 9, 2020 and April 30, 2021. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

This email addresses the updated community threshold rates for the week ending 06/04/2021. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Dear Day Center Provider,

This email addresses the guidance that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, related to the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities. These are closures related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19 and was present in the facility. The updated community threshold rate chart for the week ending 06/04/2021 indicates that the Percent Positivity rate (PCR); which is the percentage of people per 100,000 that test positive for COVID-19 within a 

[More ...]

The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing this message from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Please read and share this message with your contacts to help protect our military veterans. Thank you.

Spread the Word!

Join the DMVA in raising awareness about scams and exploitation involving veteran benefits

There are nearly 800,000 veterans in Pennsylvania and over half of them are age 60 and older. 

[More ...]

Dear Day Center Provider,

This email addresses the guidance that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, related to the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities. These are closures related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19 and was present in the facility. The updated community threshold rate chart for the week ending 05/28/2021 indicates that the Percent Positivity rate (PCR); which is the percentage of people per 100,000 that test positive for COVID-19 within a 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

This email addresses the updated community threshold rates for the week ending 05/28/2021. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

On May 29, 2020, Governor Wolf signed Act 24 of 2020, which allocated funding from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to assist providers with COVID-19 related costs that were incurred between March 1, 2020 and November 30, 2020. Providers that accepted Act 24 funding agreed to provide documentation to the Department of Human Services (DHS) and were required to submit an Act 24 cost report through a web-based portal between December 9, 2020 and April 30, 2021. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

This email addresses the updated community threshold rates for the week ending 05/21/2021. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Dear Day Center Provider,

This email addresses the guidance that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, related to the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities. These are closures related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19 and was present in the facility. The updated community threshold rate chart for the week ending 05/21/2021 indicates that the Percent Positivity rate (PCR); which is the percentage of people per 100,000 that test positive for COVID-19 within a 

[More ...]

Please read the important information below from the Department of Human Services regarding the implementation of an Enterprise Case Management (ECM) system to support the administration and management of various DHS-supervised program. The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing this message here for your information.

Enterprise Case Management System Update

Improving service delivery for DHS' clients and modernizing our work to ease processes for DHS staff and business partners
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is in the early stages of implementing an Enterprise Case Management (ECM) system to support the administration and management of various DHS-supervised programs. A primary 

[More ...]

Please read the important press release below from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of the Governor regarding the availability of the federal Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), a program that will assist eligible households in paying for internet service and certain electronic devices. The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing this message here for your information. 

[More ...]

Please see the attached updated Temporary Closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, Structured Day Habilitation, and Licensed Facilities Where Community Participation Support Is Provided Due to Community Spread or When Staff or Individuals Are Diagnosed with COVID-19, and the Process for Reopening Facilities- ODP Announcement 20-101 UPDATE guidance and Community Participation Support and Older Adult Facility (CPS/OAF) Reopening Tool. 

[More ...]

The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing the message below from the Office of the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services about the RISE PA procurement. Please share this message with any of your contacts who have been following the progress of the procurement.

Good morning,

Your work on the RISE PA resource and referral tool is greatly appreciated. We could not have gotten this far without your input, expertise, time, and dedication to serving your clients. Thank you. 

[More ...]

Please read the important press release below from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of the Governor regarding the various means the state and its partners are using to reach people not able to leave home to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing this message here for your information. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,
This email addresses the updated community threshold rates for the week ending 04/23/2021. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Dear Day Center Provider,
This email addresses the guidance that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, related to the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities. These are closures related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19 and was present in the facility. The updated community threshold rate chart for the week ending 04/23/2021 indicates that the Percent Positivity rate (PCR); which is the percentage of people per 100,000 that test positive for COVID-19 within a 

[More ...]

[cid:image003.jpg@01D735DB.DFD09DE0]

Earlier this month, the Department of Human Services (DHS) launched the We Can Work campaign - an effort to educate the public about employment support and opportunities for people with disabilities and how DHS' programs can help facilitate job connections and training programs.

The campaign also focuses on sharing the stories of people who use DHS services and have enriching employment while still maintaining supports through Medicaid. The campaign features Yasom and Josie who both receive services and supports through DHS programs. Ads are running on social media and other digital platforms through early summer. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,
This email addresses the updated community threshold rates for the week ending 04/16/2021. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Dear Day Center Provider,
This email addresses the guidance that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, related to the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities. These are closures related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19 and was present in the facility. The updated community threshold rate chart for the week ending 04/16/2021 indicates that the Percent Positivity rate (PCR); which is the percentage of people per 100,000 that test positive for COVID-19 within a 

[More ...]

The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing the attached Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) information as a resource for those who may benefit from the program. Please read the attached document and share it widely with other individuals and organizations, to help us reach those in need.

More information about ERAP is found on the Department of Human Services ERAP webpage<https://www.dhs.pa.gov/coronavirus/Pages/Emergency-Rental-Assistance-Program.aspx>. 

[More ...]

Dear Day Center Provider,
This email addresses the guidance that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, related to the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities. These are closures related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19 and was present in the facility. The updated community threshold rate chart for the week ending 04/09/2021 indicates that the Percent Positivity rate (PCR); which is the percentage of people per 100,000 that test positive for COVID-19 within a 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,
This email addresses the updated community threshold rates for the week ending 04/09/2021. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,
This email addresses the updated community threshold rates for the week ending 04/02/2021. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Dear Day Center Provider,
This email addresses the guidance that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, related to the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities. These are closures related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19 and was present in the facility. The updated community threshold rate chart for the week ending 04/02/2021 indicates that the Percent Positivity rate (PCR); which is the percentage of people per 100,000 that test positive for COVID-19 within a 

[More ...]

If you would like to receive "a round-up of news you can use and answers to your most pressing vaccine questions - delivered directly to your inbox every week" please subscribe to the Unite Against COVID Newsletter<https://www.pa.gov/covid/newsletter>. The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing this Commonwealth resource here for your information. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,
This email addresses the updated community threshold rates for the week ending 03/26/2021. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Dear Day Center Provider,
This email addresses the guidance that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, related to the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities. These are closures related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19 and was present in the facility. The updated community threshold rate chart for the week ending 03/26/2021 indicates that the Percent Positivity rate (PCR); which is the percentage of people per 100,000 that test positive for COVID-19 within a 

[More ...]

Please read the March 10, 2021 press release from Governor Wolf on free and subsidized public transit to vaccine appointments<https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/wolf-administration-highlights-free-subsidized-public-transit-to-vaccine-appointments/>. The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing this message here for your information.

A listserv has been established for ongoing updates on the CHC program. It is titled OLTL-COMMUNITY-HEALTHCHOICES, please visit the ListServ Archives page at http://listserv.dpw.state.pa.us to update or register your email address. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,
This email addresses the updated community threshold rates for the week ending 03/19/2021. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Dear Day Center Provider,
This email addresses the guidance that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, related to the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities. These are closures related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19 and was present in the facility. The updated community threshold rate chart for the week ending 03/19/2021 indicates that the Percent Positivity rate (PCR); which is the percentage of people per 100,000 that test positive for COVID-19 within a 

[More ...]

Please read the press release below from the Department of Human Services about the expansion of the partnership with Rite Aid Pharmacy to Vaccinate Pennsylvanians enrolled in Long-Term Services and Supports Programs. The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing this message here for your information.

[Image]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2021

Wolf Administration Expands Partnership with Rite Aid Pharmacy to Vaccinate Pennsylvanians Enrolled in Long-Term Services and Supports Programs 

[More ...]

Dear Day Center Provider,

This email addresses the guidance that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, related to the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities. These are closures related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19 and was present in the facility. The updated community threshold rate chart for the week ending 03/12/2021 indicates that the Percent Positivity rate (PCR); which is the percentage of people per 100,000 that test positive for COVID-19 within a 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,
This email addresses the updated community threshold rates for the week ending 03/12/2021. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,

This email addresses the updated community threshold rates for the week ending 03/05/2021. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

Dear Day Center Provider,

This email addresses the guidance that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, related to the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities. These are closures related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19 and was present in the facility. The updated community threshold rate chart for the week ending 03/05/2021 indicates that the Percent Positivity rate (PCR); which is the percentage of people per 100,000 that test positive for COVID-19 within a 

[More ...]

Dear Day Center Provider,
This email addresses the guidance that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, related to the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities. These are closures related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19 and was present in the facility. The updated community threshold rate chart for the week ending 02/26/2021 indicates that the Percent Positivity rate (PCR); which is the percentage of people per 100,000 that test positive for COVID-19 within a 

[More ...]

Dear Center Provider,
This email addresses the updated community threshold rates for the week ending 02/26/2021. This email addresses language that was initially sent to centers on 10/09/2020, which provided guidance on the temporary closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities, Structured Day Habilitation and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 or when an individual or staff member present in the center is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

[More ...]

The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing the message below from the Office of the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services about webinars for the Resource Information and Services Enterprise - or RISE PA. Please share the message with your contacts who may benefit from attending the webinars. 

[More ...]

Please read the attached message from the First Lady of Pennsylvania, Frances Wolf, about an opportunity to share your COVID-19 story through photography or audio submissions. The Office of Long-Term Living is sharing the message here for your information.

NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific individual(s) and purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If received in error, notify the sender and immediately delete the message.