The Arc of North Dakota
2009/2011 Biennium Legislative Session
Issues surrounding inclusion/least restrictive are of a very high priority. People with intellectual disabilities are entitled to educational services, community living, employment, leisure time, social activities and multiple other services, all of which should be delivered in an inclusive/least restrictive setting.
Governor Hoeven’s budget for the 2009/2011 Biennium is a budget we can support, with exceptions, which are outlined in blue.
· Community service providers are budgeted to receive increases of 7% in 2009 and 7% in 2010. * We will be asking for an additional $2.00 per hour equity increase and an increase in fringe benefits from 33% to 36% for community service providers.
· Dentists were funded at a minimum 75% of average bill charges. They are also budgeted to receive 7% inflationary increases each year of the biennium.
· Increased the Medically Needy Income Levels – currently ND is at 58% of poverty for household size of one; this will bring ND to 83% of poverty for household size of one. *2008 HHS Poverty Guidelines for a household of one is $10,400.
· Raised the income level for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) from 150% to 200 percent of the poverty level (net income). *Poverty Guideline for a family of four is $21,200.
· Personal Needs Allowance -ICF/MR – for individuals who reside in an ICF/MR facility will increase the allowance from $50 to $60 per month. *We will request $50 to $75 per month. Basic Care is requesting an increase to $100 per month.
· Intense Medical Needs/Family Homes – This covers children with developmental disabilities and intense medical needs who live in family homes. Residential service providers for these children received increases in 2007. The budget increases the maximum reimbursement in a family home.
· Autism Spectrum Disorder Waiver – provides for a waiver for birth to age 5; 30 slots; adds 1 FTE.
· Developmental Center budget includes the CARES Team with 1 behavioral analyst at the Developmental Center and 4 in the field. *This will help people stay in the community rather than going to the institution to receive services.
· The Medicaid budget includes a change for adults to have an exam and new glasses if needed every 2 years. Currently it’s every 3 years.
· The budget includes a planned increase for community services for 22 individuals each year of the biennium for students graduating out of Special Education. It also includes 17 individuals moving from the Developmental Center to the Community. *The rate of deinstitutionalization is inadequate. See “Closing the North Dakota Developmental Center: Issues, Implications, Guidelines”
· The corporate guardianship contract for individuals with developmental disabilities is fully funded at $1.7 million.
· Fixed the ISLA administrative reimbursement that was a disincentive to moving people to a least restrictive environment.
· Increased funding for SLA services for people not screened eligible for DD services (Section 11 funds) from $200,000 to $297,000.
· Hospice for Children – provides for a waiver so that children can continue to receive treatment & services while receiving hospice if needed; 30 slots.
The governor’s budget for the next biennium includes setting aside between $800 million and $1.2 billion.
Needed, but not in the Governor’s Budget:
1. Critical Need Staffing Increases - As people age, often times their needs increase. Staffing increases have not been available from the DHS to adequately address those needs. Additional funding is required for complex behavioral and medical care.
DD staffing to meet critical needs: General Funds $2.3M
Federal Funds $3.0 M
Total Funds $6.3 M
2. Wages, Fringe Benefits, and Equity Increases for Community Residential Service Providers – an equity increase of $2.00 per hour is needed to turn the tide on staff turnover. Fringe benefit increase from 33% to 36% is needed to cover rising health care cost.
General Funds $10.5M
Federal Funds $18 M
Total Funds $28.5
3. Deinstitutionalization of the State Developmental Center – See “Closing the Developmental Center: Issues, Implications, Guidelines” and “Developmental Disabilities in North Dakota: 2009”
“Developmental Disabilities in North Dakota: 2009”
A Consulting Services Agreement was signed with Dr. David Braddock, Ph.D., University of Colorado School of Medicine to prepare a comprehensive “Developmental Disabilities in North Dakota Report: 2009.” The report will be used to guide our advocacy efforts during and after the 2009 Legislative Session. Copies of the report are available to our members for a nominal fee.
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