FEATURED NEWS COVERAGE

• July 16, 2010 || New York Times
  Cuts in Home Care Put Elderly and Disabled at Risk
• March 21, 2010 || Sacramento Bee
  EDITORIAL: Take adult day care off chopping block
• March 12, 2010 || CBS 13 Sacramento
  On the Money: Cutting Care
• February 15, 2010 || Orange County Register
  Proposed budget cuts to senior care would hit families
• February 11, 2010 || Los Angeles Times
  Lifeline of adult day healthcare may snap for some
• February 11, 2010 || Sacramento Bee
  Families face harsh choices if California's adult day centers close
• January 28, 2010 || The Press-Enterprise / PE.com
  Adult day care facilities face closing from past, future budget cuts

Save-The-Dates! November 15, 16 & 17, 2010 -- CAADS 33rd Annual Conference, Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport, Burlingame, CA

Posted August 9, 2010

LOOKING BEYOND LIMITS, the theme of this year's CAADS Conference, provides a dynamic framework for educational courses and updates that adult day services providers can't get anywhere else. Visit the Meetings Page for more information and watch for the CAADS Conference brochure and registration form available in September.

Free Classes for Transit Professionals on Wheelchair Securement

Posted July 30, 2010

Q-Straint is offering free classes on wheelchair securement in California during the month of August 2010. The 9 AM to 12 PM workshops for transit professionals will be held 8/17 in Los Angeles; 8/19 in Bakersfield; 8/20 in San Diego; 8/23 in Redding; 8/24 in Woodland; 8/25 in Fresno; and 8/26 in San Jose.

Register soon -- space is limited. You can register using the On-Line Registration Form or at www.calact.org. For questions or more information, please call CalACT: 916-920-8018.

Assembly Speaker Pérez and Assembly Budget Chair Blumenfield Visit ONEGeneration in Van Nuys, Oppose Elimination of ADHC Centers

Posted July 8, 2010

Assembly Speaker Pérez was joined by Assembly Budget Chair Robert Blumenfield at CAADS member ONEGeneration in Van Nuys July 8, 2010 to tour the facility and speak to the staff and other community and CAADS members about the state budget. A media release posted on the Speaker’s Web site underscores “how proposed state budget cuts are threatening the jobs of hundreds of thousands of Californians, including thousands of Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) workers who seniors, the disabled and other vulnerable Californians rely on for health and assisted living services.

“Eliminating Adult Day Health Care Centers will actually cost the state more than keeping them open because many of the clients of these centers will be forced into expensive nursing care facilities at a cost borne by the taxpayers,” Pérez said. “Legislative Democrats have included funding for Adult Day Health Care programs in our budget proposal because we recognize the value—in both human and economic terms—of providing that assistance in these difficult times. This is clearly the best approach, and I hope the Governor and Legislative Republicans join us in making the right choice for California’s seniors and working families.”

Those in attendance at the event thanked Speaker Pérez and Assemblymember Blumenfield for their leadership and support in protecting services for frail and chronically ill seniors. CAADS is grateful the Legislature has recognized the role ADHC programs play in complying with the law of the land in caring for the most vulnerable among us -- seniors and persons with disabilities -- in the community, rather than in more costly and hospitals and nursing homes.

U. S. Dept of Justice Files "Friend of the Court" Brief Supporting Disability Rights CA Lawsuit -- Cota (Brantley) v. David Maxwell-Jolly

Posted June 30, 2010

On June 28, 2010, the United States Department of Justice filed an amicus brief supporting the plaintiffs-appellees in the case of Cota (Brantley) v. David Maxwell-Jolly, arguing that plaintiffs are likely to succeed in showing that the change in ADHC eligibility criteria violates the integration mandate under Title II of the ADA. View brief.

Disability Rights CA Files Brief in U.S. Court of Appeals to Argue the Court Uphold the Preliminary Injunction Issued by the District Court in Cota (Brantley) v. David Maxwell-Jolly
-- Halt to Implementation of New ADHC Medical Necessity Remains in Effect --

Posted June 23, 2010

On June 21, 2010, Disability Rights California, along with other legal rights groups, filed an “Answering Brief” in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in the case of Cota (Brantley) v. David Maxwell-Jolly, arguing that the District Court's granting of a preliminary injunction in February was legally correct. Key assertions included in the brief are:

• The District Court did not abuse its discretion in concluding that Plaintiffs would suffer irreparable harm without a Preliminary Injunction



• The District Court did not abuse its discretion in determining that Plaintiffs demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits

View Appellees Answering Brief dated June 21, 2010.

Public Weighs in on California's State Plan for Alzheimer's Disease

Posted June 16, 2010

The June 2010 Alzheimer's Disease Digest, a communication from the Alzheimer's State Plan Task Force, highlights the various ways members of the public contributed their experiences, ideas, criticisms and solutions related to caring for people with Alzheimer's. This important public input will be integrated into further work on the development of the State Plan. To learn more, visit the Alzheimer's State Plan Web Site.

DHCS Submits 1115 Waiver Proposal to CMS which would Mandate Enrollment in Medi-Cal Managed Care for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities

Posted June 14, 2010

Significant changes to the Medi-Cal program are currently under discussion among members of the Governor's administration, legislative leadership and the federal government. These changes, if accepted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), would require the mandatory enrollment of seniors and persons with disabilities (SPDs) into managed care organizations within 14 California counties. CAADS Technical Assistance Brief and links to key resources are now available on the Members Only Page under "What's New." Information is also available on the DHCS 1115 Waiver Web site.

Medi-Cal Checkwrite Will Be Delayed

Posted June 7, 2010

The Department of Health Care Services website notes that the last Medi-Cal checkwrite in June 2010 will be delayed until the start of the next fiscal year that begins July 1, 2010. This payment delay normally scheduled for June 24, 2010 affects ADHC and other providers. The electronic funds transfer (EFT) settlement date for those affected by the checkwrite delay will be July 2, 2010.

ADHC Industry Survey on TAR Centralization Reveals Adjudication Delays and Cash Flow Interruptions

Posted May 27, 2010

In April 2010, CAADS conducted a survey of the ADHC industry to determine how the transfer of TAR adjudication to the Los Angeles Field Office was impacting providers. View survey results.

Audit Finds DHCS Needs to Streamline Medi-Cal Treatment Authorizations and Respond to Authorization Requests Within Legal Time Limits

Posted May 27, 2010

The Bureau of State Audits (BSA) presents its report, 2009-112, Department of Health Care Services: It Needs to Streamline Medi-Cal Treatment Authorizations and Respond to Authorization Requests Within Legal Time Limits. The report is available on the BSA Website. View Executive Summary | Fact Sheet PDF Format | Report PDF Format.

New Brochure About Medicare and the New Health Law

Posted May 24, 2010

Medicare beneficiaries across the country should begin receiving copies of a brochure “Medicare and the New Health Law – What it Means for You” in their mailboxes. The mailing from CMS outlines key provisions of the Affordable Care Act for people with Medicare as well as members of their families. The brochure is being sent in both English and Spanish. Because Medicare is a trusted resource for beneficiaries and their family members, the mailing encourages them to log on to www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to get their questions about Medicare or the Affordable Care Act answered and reminds them to be on the alert for possible scams.

The first benefit that many people with Medicare will receive as a result of the passage of the new law is a one-time check for $250, if they enter the Part D donut hole and are not eligible for Medicare Extra Help. Beginning next year, the Affordable Care Act ensures that Medicare beneficiaries will get free preventive care services like colorectal cancer screening and mammograms, in addition to a free annual wellness visit. The law also includes new tools to help fight fraud by helping Medicare crack down on criminals who are seeking to scam seniors and steal taxpayer dollars.

Many, many groups line up against the health cuts. . .
HEALTH ACCESS UPDATE: Friday, May 21, 2010

Posted May 21, 2010

Anthony Wright, Executive Director of Health Access California, provides a summary of testimony against cuts, caps and cost-sharing in Medi-Cal benefits presented to the Assembly Budget Sub-Committee No. 1 on Health and Human Services on May 20. Read his blog.

ADHC REMAINS ON ELIMINATION LIST IN GOVERNOR'S BUDGET!

Updated May 21, 2010; May 17, 2010

The Governor released his updated budget proposals on May 14, in a document known as the May Revision. These new or revised proposals are in addition to the budget he released in January. ADHC continues to be on the chopping block for elimination.

Health and human services proposals hit impoverished seniors and persons with disabilities living in the community particularly hard, adding new out-of-pocket costs for their medical and personal care and limiting access to medical services. Residents of nursing facilities are exempt from these proposals.

Below are Fact Sheets prepared by the Governor for each of the following proposals:

• Eliminate Adult Day Health Care as a Medi-Cal benefit
• Mandatory Copays
        Governor's Fact Sheet || DHCS Proposed Trailer Bill
        $5 Copayment for physician and clinic visits
             (if ADHC is not eliminated, copayment would apply)
        $5 Copayment for dental office visits
        $3 and $5 copayment for pharmacy
        $50 copayment for emergency room visits
        $100 copayment per hospital inpatient day. Maximum $200 per admission.
• Selected Optional Benefits
       Cap on hearing aids
       Cap on durable medical equipment
       Cap on medical supplies
• Cap on physician visits (10 per year)
• Cap on prescriptions (6 per month)
• Eliminate selected over-the-counter drugs
• Limit enteral nutrition products
• Eliminate Part B premium payments for beneficiaries not meeting share of cost
• Reauthorization of AB 1629 (SNF Quality and Accountability)
        DHCS Stakeholders Fact Sheet || DHCS Proposed Trailer Bill [Dated 5/20/2010]
  

In Home Supportive Services was removed from the chopping block in the May Revision. Instead, the Governor budgeted a decrease of $637.1 million (state funds only) which when added to federal match equals a $1.7 billion cut in IHSS. The unspecified cost-containment measures would be worked out with a stakeholder group by July 1. SSI/SSP grants would be reduced to the federally mandated minimum. County Mental Health services would be cut by $602 million, leaving $435 million for the counties to provide federally mandated services.

Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) Issues Report on May Revision

On May 18, the LAO issued a report titled The 2010-11 Budget: Overview of the May Revision. Although the report does not mention ADHC, it provides an overview of possible solutions and comments on the cash flow situation. View LAO Report.

Application Now Available!
Roselinde Gilbert Innovations in Alzheimer's Disease Legacy Awards

Posted May 11, 2010

Three awards of $20,000 each will be awarded to organizations that are initiating unique programs that address the needs of Alzheimer's caregivers. One award will be granted in each of these categories: Creative Expression || Diverse/Multicultural Communities || Policy and Advocacy. For Award Background, Award Timeline, Eligibility and Submission Conditions, and Review Process, visit the Family Caregiver Alliance website. Application Deadline: August 12, 2010.

Genworth Long Term Cost of Care Survey Findings Now Available

Posted May 6, 2010

The 2010 Genworth Long Term Cost of Care Survey findings are now available. View the full report for national and California-specific data on ADHC and other service costs. From the summary:

Nearly two-thirds of people over age 65 will need long term care at home or through adult day health care, or care in an assisted living facility or nursing home. And while most people think of long term care as impacting only those in senior years, 40 percent of people currently receiving long term care services are ages 18 to 64.

Small Business Health Care Tax Credit

Posted April 23, 2010

Health coverage legislation enacted this year includes a Small Business Health Care Tax Credit to help small businesses and small tax-exempt organizations (fewer than 25 full time equivalent employees) afford the cost of covering their workers. Read more.

New Poll Shows California Voters 40 and Older Largely Unprepared for Costs of Long-Term Care Services

Posted April 22, 2010

On April 21, 2010 The SCAN Foundation in conjunction with the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research released a new poll, Survey of California Voters 40 and Older on Long-Term Care. Findings show voters, regardless of their political party affiliation or income level, are worried about and feel unprepared for the costs of long-term care. Click on Survey link above to read more.

CLASS Provision of the Health Care Reform Bill

Posted April 19, 2010

The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act program, a provision of the newly enacted federal health reform law, "establishes a voluntary, long-term care program that will provide cash to enrollees who suffer at least two limitations in daily activities, such as eating, bathing and dressing. ... There are about 10 million Americans who need long-term care services, including 4 million under age 65." View April 15, 2010 KHN/Kaiser Health News article, "New Long-Term Care Insurance Will Provide Flexible Cash Benefits."

ISSUE BRIEF: How Would Health Care Reform Impact California Senior Citizens?

Posted March 27, 2010

The "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act," which the Senate passed in 2009, as well as the "Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010" unveiled in the House on March 18, 2010, contain provisions that make changes to Medicare and other programs that affect seniors. These include changes to prescription drug costs -- especially the Medicare Part D doughnut hole -- as well as payment changes for primary care and preventive care, strategies to keep Medicare solvent, long-term care options, and changes that involve seniors eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal. The report, requested by the Congress of California Seniors, was prepared by the UC Berkeley School of Law, Center on Health, Economic and Family Security and the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and issued March 23, 2010. View report.

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH CAADS!
We're on Facebook, Become a Fan! -- We're on Twitter, Follow us!

Posted March 22, 2010

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH CAADS! Stay current, get involved and spread the word -- CAADS is now on Facebook and Twitter. Training on these social networking tools, including how to create your own Facebook account so you can interact with CAADS and others, will be available soon. Watch for CAADS training announcement.

A BRIEF ON ADULT DAY HEALTH CARE LITIGATION
Why Elimination of ADHC as a Medi-Cal Benefit Would Be Successfully Challenged in Federal Court

Posted March 19, 2010

California Disability Rights has issued a two-page brief on why elimination of ADHC, without ensuring that the 37,000 Medi-Cal beneficiaries affected have uninterrupted access to alternative Medi-Cal services to prevent unnecessary institutionalization, violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Eight legal arguments upheld in recent Court orders in the lawsuit Cota (Brantley) v. Maxwell-Jolly are outlined. View or download the brief.

Two ADHC 'Quick Reference' Sheets Available From CAADS

Posted March 17, 2010

For a quick look at the key factors leading to the emergence of and significant changes to Adult Day Health Care in California, view or download a one-page overview by CAADS [rev 2010-03-05]: A Brief History of Adult Day Health Care: 30 Years of Service to California's Elders and Disabled.

Reform efforts for Adult Day Health Care in California from September 2002 through February 2010, are also highlighted in a one-page overview by CAADS [rev 2010-03-05]: ADHC Reform Timeline and Milestones.

ANOTHER LEGAL VICTORY FOR ADHC PARTICIPANTS AND PROVIDERS!
Federal Court Rules Against State's Cut To Medi-Cal Reimbursement Rates

Posted March 4, 2010

On March 3, 2010 a federal court ruled that the Governor and Legislature can't cut reimbursement rates by 5% to ADHC, pharmacists and hospitals. View Court Order.

Preliminary Injunction Ordered by Federal Court in Brantley v. David Maxwell-Jolly Stops New ADHC Medical Necessity Criteria From Taking Effect

Posted February 25, 2010

On February 24, 2010, a federal court stopped new ADHC medical necessity criteria from taking effect March 1, 2010 as approved in the 2009-10 state budget trailer bill (AB4X 5). Read more.

UCLA Center for Health Policy Outlines Potential Impact of Governor’s Proposed Budget Cuts

Posted February 17, 2010

UCLA Center for Health Policy Research released a Policy Note commissioned by the SCAN Foundation that outlines the potential impact of the proposed cuts in the Governor’s budget, noting the proposal turns the clock back 30 years to a time when 5.4 % of seniors residing in a nursing home, compared with 2.7 % today. This decline in is attributed to IHSS and ADHC. Read more.

DHCS Commits Serious Privacy Breach as Nearly 50,000 ADHC Beneficiaries Receive Notice of Eligibility Changes with SSN on Outside of Envelope

Posted February 8, 2010

ADHC Medi-Cal beneficiaries and their family members now have another threat to worry about - identity theft and Medi-Cal fraud. Read more.

Alzheimer's Disease State Plan Digest (Volume 1 - January 2010)
California Takes Lead in Planning for Startling Rise in Alzheimer's Disease

Posted February 5, 2010

The Alzheimer's Disease State Plan Task Force, charged with developing a 10-year public policy roadmap for the state, has published Volume 1 of the Alzheimer's Disease State Plan Digest. Under the auspices of California's Health and Human Services Agency, the 22-members task force will announce a series of key public policy forums focused on health care financing, end of life and palliative care, and workforce training and development issues. To view information and documents on the plan, visit the Web site for the Alzheimer's Association, California Council.

CAADS Advocacy in Action: The First Senate Budget Committee Hearing Posted January 27, 2010 The first Senate Budget Committee hearing on the Governor’s proposal to eliminate adult day health care (ADHC) was held January 26, at the state Capitol. The Department of Health Care Services budget discussion was the first agenda item, followed by 80 minutes of public testimony in support of ADHC by CAADS Executive Director Lydia Missaelides, CAADS members, Lifelong Medical Care participants (pictured), and friends of adult day services. CAADS prepared a Fact Sheet for Budget Item 4260 [rev 2010-03-19] and submitted it to the Seneate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee. 1/26/2010 CA Senate Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review ♦ View Agenda ♦ View CalChannel broadcast (allow for download time and delayed start of the hearing after you click to view)

LifeLong Medical Care ADHC Advocates at State Capitol

ADHC Providers Reminder:
Change in ADHC TAR submission effective February 1, 2010

Posted January 22, 2010

As indicated in the December Medi-Cal Provider Bulletin, all paper TARs submitted on or after February 1, 2010 should be sent to:

         Los Angeles Medi-Cal Field Office
         ADHC TAR Adjudication
         311 South Spring Street, 1st Floor Mail Room
         Los Angeles, CA 90013-1211

ETARs will automatically be directed to Los Angeles.

January 2010 Medi-Cal Bulletin:
NEW Manual for Tracking SEPARATELY BILLABLE SERVICES (SBS)
Costs for Reimbursement

Posted January 20, 2010

The January Medi-Cal Bulletin announced a new manual, Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) Centers: Tracking Costs for Reimbursement Purposes. The new manual should be reviewed carefully and all centers should be using those instructions and recording their separately billable services every day. The department is no longer accepting time studies or sampling methods. Please direct any questions to your local Medi-Cal Field Office. More information, sample logs/worksheets.

DHCS A&I ISSUES NEW NOTICE ON ANNUAL ADHC COST REPORT FILING

Posted January 17, 2010

To view the new Department of Health Care Services Audits & Investigations notice about annual ADHC cost report filing, click here.

Governor Releases 2010-11 Budget that Devastates Health Care
ADULT DAY HEALTH CARE ONCE AGAIN PROPOSED FOR ELIMINATION

Posted January 8, 2010

The Governor released his budget at 11:30 AM today and has called for an emergency budget session to close a $20 billion budget deficit estimated over the next 18 months. Adult Day Health Care is scheduled for elimination as a optional Medi-Cal benefit on March 1, 2010, but savings are not budgeted until June 2010. CAADS Members may now view the January 8, 2010 CAADS Members Only ALERT and narrative of the Governor's Budget Summary on the Members Only Page under "What's New."

California Hospital / Uninsured Care Demonstration Project
Section 1115 Waiver Stakeholders Advisory Committee

Updated May 4, 2010; January 8, 2010;

CAADS has submitted comments on the inclusion of ADHC services for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities within the managed care proposal contained in the 1115 Waiver Concept Paper that the Department of Health Care Services sent to CMS in December 2009. For additional information, visit the DHCS Waiver Renewal Website.

Federal Court Accuses Representatives of the Administration and Attorney General's Office of Misleading Judges in Medi-Cal Provider Rate Cut Case

Posted December 29, 2009

Mary Omoto, California Disability Community Action Network (CDCAN), writes in the December 26, 2009 issue of California Progress Report:

In a major victory for disability and senior advocates, a three judge panel of the US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday (December 21) issued a stunning and strongly worded rebuke against the Schwarzenegger Administration and Attorney General Jerry Brown accusing their representatives of lying to the court in 'clear violation' of California State Bar rules against misleading judges.

To view or download a copy of the December 21, 2009 US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals order, visit the CDCAN website at www.cdcan.us.

UCLA Health Policy Research Brief Issued
California Budget Cuts Fray the Long-Term Care Safety Net

Posted October 2, 2009

The UCLA Center for Health Policy Research has just released a report titled, California Budget Cuts Fray the Long-Term Care Safety Net. The paper states that "disabled older adults with low incomes will find it harder to access services, and ultimately, harder to live safely at home." ADHC, ADCRC and IHSS are featured prominently and a "key informant" example is a 5-day per week ADHC participant who also relies on IHSS to remain living at home.

Facts about Alzheimer's in California

Posted April 30, 2009

An Alzheimer's Association Report released February 25, 2009 outlines the growth and impact of Alzheimer's disease on the state of California in the next 20 years. Key findings:

• Trends among California's diverse population are changing the face of Alzheimer's disease
• Deaths from Alzheimer's disease continue to rise
• 1.1 million Californians now provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer's
• One in eight California Baby Boomers who reach age 55 will develop Alzheimer's disease
• Financial impacts will affect all Californians

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Report Highlights Adult Day Services

July 2006

View July 2006 report, Adult Day Services: A Key Community Services for Older Adults.

Participants Say It All!

Meet adult day services participants and hear what they have to say about their center's services, activities and staff. Click on the picture below to view a video clip from the California Association for Adult Day Services' video entitled "Human Kindness -- it just flows around here." (Note: Real Player required to view clip... Download Real Player)

The three-part video was commissioned in 2002 to commemorate CAADS 25th Anniversary. It is a retrospective of adult day services in California, honoring the industry's pioneers and providers, who continue to serve individuals, families, and communities with compassion.

To purchase the complete anniversary video print out the video order form. (A limited number of complimentary videos are available for airing on local access television.) For more information, call CAADS: 916-552-7400.

Special thanks to producer Bob Andruszkiewicz, ABUZZ Media, the Alliance for Leadership and Education, and those whose generous contributions made this video possible.

California Association for Adult Day Services, a 501 (c) 6 non-profit grassroots-driven organization, advocates for the growth and development of adult day services in California and nationally. CAADS was the first state association formed in the United States for the purpose of advancing adult day services. CAADS member-centers provide innovative day programs that support individuals with physical or mental disabilities and older adults with Alzheimer's disease and their families.

A nationally recognized leader in the field of aging, the Association is governed by the CAADS Board of Directors and provides advocacy, timely information, analysis, technical assistance, education, and networking opportunities for member organizations. CAADS members agree to abide by the Association's Bylaws and Code of Ethics. For more information on CAADS Membership click here!

The 2009 CAADS Annual Report highlights the Associations efforts to build state relationships, pursue legislation, and provide education, training and public awareness.

CAADS Members-Only Online Benefits

Among the key benefits available to CAADS members on the Members-Only page are:

• State Budget Information - updated frequently!
• Medi-Cal Updates
• Licensing Updates
• Laws & Regulations for ADHC, ADP, and ADCRC
• Advocacy & Legislative Alerts
• Funding Sources
• Technical Assistance
• Membership Roster
  
  
  

The Alliance for Leadership and Education (A.L.E.) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) public benefit arm of CAADS. The A.L.E. mission is to advance innovation and quality in Adult Day Service through research and analysis, education and training, and leadership for the benefit of consumers and their caregivers. The organization is governed by the 7-member A.L.E. Board of Directors.

The 2009 A.L.E. Annual Report summarizes the year's grant activities and initiatives focused on Quality of Care, Public Education and Information.

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