Here We Go AGAin!! StAte BudGet reductionS And cHAnGeShss.sbcounty.gov/PA/Newsletter/pdf/winter2010.pdf · IHSS Public Authority Newsletter Winter 2010 Helen Lopez, 1 Executive Director

IHSS Public Authority Newsletter Winter 2010

Helen Lopez, Executive Director1

On October 19th, the Governor signed 19 budget related bills – called budget trailer bills – that

made changes to existing state law in order to implement spending cuts and other changes in the main budget bill that was signed earlier this month.

One of the bills signed was SB 853 which deals with Medi-Cal Regional Centers and implements closure of the Lanterman Developmental Center in Pomona. The bill also includes additional cuts to most regional center providers, and regional center operations.

Another is AB 1612, the human services budget trailer bill that includes a 3.6% across the board reduction in authorized service hours to all persons receiving In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), effective February 1, 2011. The State must send out notices to IHSS recipients outlining the steps and procedures regarding this cut.

In addition this bill contains additional crimes that will disqualify a person from being an IHSS worker. The new crimes will begin to applied to background checks reviewed AFTER February 1, 2011; and again, the Department of Social Services is required to mail information to both recipients and providers regarding this before it begins.

So, what does this all mean for workers and recipients? While we don’t know exactly how it will all “shake out”, there

ManageMent StaffHelen Lopez, Executive Director

Rosa Hidalgo, Deputy Director

Myette Christian, Registry Manager

John Dixon – Training Manager

Heather Thornewood, Fiscal Assistant

RegiStRy UnitHaydee Duncan, Registry Assistant/CBI

Rancho Cucamonga Anna Carnaval, Registry Specialist Melissa Cardenas, Registry Clerk

San BernardinoMarisol Hill, Registry Specialist Carolina De Leon-Armendariz, Registry Clerk

fontana/RialtoLidia Alcantar-Uribe, Registry Specialist Danielle Roberson, Registry Clerk

Joshua tree/Mountains/needlesEmily Penland, Registry Specialist Maricela Rios, Registry Clerk

Victorville/apple ValleyWesley Williams, Registry Specialist Priscilla Arias, Registry Clerk

PRoVideR SeRViCeS UnitRebecca Castaneda, ReceptionistNicole Alvarez, ReceptionistSandy Gonzalez, Health BenefitsAlex Carnaval, Employment Verification/Workers Comp

PayCheCkS CUStoMeR SeRViCe Ruth Diaz – Customer ServiceLorna Davila – Customer Service

tRainingFREDDIE BARRERA

BaCkgRoUnd inVeStigationS (CBi) UnitValerie MartinezDiana Madrigal

Here We Go AGAin!! StAte BudGet

reductionS And cHAnGeS

are a few things we feel pretty sure are important for you to keep in mind:

1) DON’T WAIT to get a background check; If you are an existing provider that is currently being paid due to the “extension” to complete enrollment by Dec 31st, remember the you must be CLEARED and complete orientation by Dec 31st; You cannot attend orientation until you receive a clearance letter. DOJ clearance can take 2 months or longer; and if you have not completed ALL requirements by Dec. 31st you will not be paid until all requirements are complete. Your checks will STOP after Dec. 31st.

2) If you want to be cleared under the EXISTING disqualifying crimes list versus the new EXPANDED list (that includes many additional kinds of convictions, your DOJ report must be RECEIVED before Jan. 17th (which means your prints should be submitted by Nov. 17th); otherwise the new crimes could disqualify you.

3) If your total hours for all clients are at or near 80, once the 3.6% reduction is applied Feb. 1st your hours could fall below 80. If you are receiving health benefits, on the waiting list, or trying to meet eligibility for benefits, falling below 80 hours for 2 months will terminate your eligibility. You should think about picking up additional hours or clients to bring your total hours back to at least 80/ month...

Volume 6

Issue 4

Winter 2010

Winter 2010 IHSS Public Authority Newsletter

paycheck customer service

2 WHat Do I Do If I nEVEr rEcEIVED my paycHEck? Wait 10 business days, and then call pay-checks customer service. At that time if customer service does not see the check status, then call your local IHSS office and request a supplemental timesheet.

HoW Do I rEquEst a cHangE of aDDrEss?• If you have a timesheet, complete theaddress change on the back and check the SSN verification box on the front of the timesheet.• Ifyoudonothavea timesheet,youwillneed to contact your local IHSS office to update your new address. You should also contact the Public Authority and fill out a change of address form.

WHy HaVEn’t I rEcEIVED a tImEsHEEt yEt?You should have received and completed an IHSS new employee orientation packet during IHSS Orientation. After attending IHSS Orientation, complete and submit the “Personal Care Services Program Provider/Enrollment Agreement” form. You should receive your time sheet by mail within 5-7 weeks (Average time frame).

I nEED a rEpLacEmEnt tImEsHEEt. WHat Do I Do?Call the local IHSS office to request a supplemental timesheet.

can I rEquEst DIrEct DEposIt?Yes, Direct Deposit requests are handled by the State, in Sacramento. All questions regarding the application go to the State:

(866)376-7066. Process takes 2-3 paycheck cycles to be completed.

Frequently Asked questions

WHEn can I ExpEct my cHEck?You should receive our paycheck within seven to ten working days after your timesheet has been processed. Your timesheet for the following pay period will be attached to your paycheck. After 10 working days, if you have not received your paycheck, you may need to contact paycheck customer service.

WHEn Do I turn In my tImEsHEEt?On the 15th and on the last day of the month you can mail in your timesheet or drop it off to the appropriate IHSS office. If you turn in your timesheet BEFORE the last day you work in that period, it is considered fraud. Please do not submit your timesheets before the 15th or the last day of the month.

WHat Do I Do If my cHEck Is stoLEn or Lost?Immediately call or stop by your local IHSS office and request a Stop Payment Form. A replacement check will be issued within 5-7 weeks. If the missing check is found or received AFTER a Stop Payment Form is submitted, DO NOT CASH – the check is now considered void.

The Public Authority is now responsible for timesheet and paycheck customer service

questions or concerns regarding your timesheet or paycheck, please call the

new customer service number 1-800 SB CHK 95 (1-800-722-4595).

or emailing us at [email protected]


3

The Public Authority Registry is conducting a targeted recruitment and is accepting provider applications ONLY from applicants that are fluent in English, have at least 6 months of Homecare Experience, and are able to pass a background check.

Applications are being accepted for applicants that live in ALL San Bernardino County cities. Please visit your local Public Authority office or call (866)985-6322 to obtain a registry application. LookIng for a nEW Way to suBmIt your montHLy upDatE???

The public authority registry has developed a new way for providers to give their monthly updates. The provider update form will assist you in meeting your monthly update requirement. All you need to do is complete it, mail it in or drop it off at your local public authority office. There are several ways that you can obtain the NEW update form.

•Usethecopyprovidedinthismonthsnewsletter.•VisitthePAwebsiteatwww://hss.sbcounty.gov/PA/default.asp•PickupacopyatyourlocalPublicAuthorityoffice.

rEgIstry statIstIcsconsumErs

Consumer Requests New Consumers No. Matched

07/01/2010 thru 09/30/2010 598 175 317

proVIDErsAvailable Providers New Providers

07/01/2010 thru 09/30/2010 1479 231

PROVIDERS NEEDED!!!

NEED A CAREGIVER?Call the Public Authority

Registry if:

• You need a new Caregiver• Your caregiver needs a break

• Your caregiver is away

1-877-985-6322

Feel free to make additional copies of the form for future monthly updates. Please make sure that you allow mail time when sending the form in. You are still able to call your PA clerk to update. Remember it is your responsibility to update monthly. Stay tuned for new and improved ways to update monthly.


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The Public AuThoriTy regisTry welcomes New sTAff membersJohn, rebecca, carolina, emily, lorna…

John Dixon – Is new to the County and the Public Authority. He has an extensive background

in benefits, training and customer service. John has joined our management team and will be

overseeing Provider Services, Paychecks Customer Service, and Training. He will be stationed

in the San Bernardino office serving the entire county.

Rebecca espaRza-castaneDa – is new to the County and Public Authority. Rebecca comes

with 10 years of customer service experience and will be our Lead Receptionist and will be

located at our San Bernardino office. Rebecca is very knowledgeable in all service areas within

the Public Authority and is also fluent in English and Spanish.

caRolina De leon-aRmenDaRez – Has been with the County for 3 years. She is joining us

from DAAS and comes with extensive knowledge of IHSS and the Public Authority. Carolina is

part of our Registry Department and will be handling registry applications and updates for the

city of San Bernardino and surrounding areas.

emily penlanD – is new to the County and Public Authority. She will be stationed in the Yucca

Valley office as our Registry Specialist. Emily has extensive customer service experience and

will assist clients in finding a provider.

loRna Davila – is new to the County and Public Authority. She comes with over 10 years of

clerical and fiscal experience with an emphasis in customer service experience. Lorna will be

assisting in various departments in the Public Authority and will be located in our San Bernardino

office.

Special Recognitionmyette chRistian – The Registry staff and Public Authority want to extend a BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Myette Christian, former Training Coordinator, who has been promoted to Registry Manager. CONGRATULATIONS MYETTE!!!!

pRoviDeR ReGistRy CORNER


5

ProViDer eNrollmeNT:

fiNgerPriNTiNg AND crimiNAl bAcKgrouND iNVesTigATioN (These rules apply oNly until December 31st, 2010; the law changes starting January 1, 2011)

An existing provider is any provider who exists in the legacy Case Management, Information,

and Payrolling System (CMIPS), in any status, from January 1, 2001 to October 31, 2009. These existing providers may continue to work and be paid for authorized hours they work for a recipient if they were enrolled as an active provider for that recipient prior to July 1, 2010 and he/she completed at least one of the provider enrollment requirements by June 30, 2010. Existing Provider have until December 31, 2010 to complete any remaining provider enrollment requirements. HOWEVER, after June 30, 2010, an existing provider cannot receive payment for providing services to another (new) recipient, until he/she completes all of the enrollment requirements and is determined eligible. If an existing provider did not complete at least one of the enrollment requirements prior to July 1, 2010, he/she has been terminated. In order to be re-employed as an IHSS provider and be paid by the IHSS program, he/she must complete all the enrollment requirements and be determined eligible as a new provider.

Disqualifying crimes criteria is pending further court action at this time. The ruling of the Alameda County Superior Court in the Beckwith, et al. v. Wagner court case provides the crimes that currently make an individual ineligible to be a provider in the IHSS program. These are limited to a conviction (or incarceration following a conviction) within the last 10 years for those crimes specified in W&IC section 12305.81, including:

1) Fraud against a governmental health care or supportive services program;

2) Violation of subdivision (a) of Section 273a of the PC; or

3) Violation of Section 368 of the PC (abuse of an elder or dependent adult).

The lisT of crimes hAs beeN eXPANDeD by The 2010-11 sTATe buDgeT AcT which will go iNTo effecT AfTer februAry 1, 2011; howeVer, iNDiViDuAls who hAVe AlreADy beeN cleAreD will NoT be reQuireD To geT ADDiTioNAl cleArANce or be TermiNATeD bAseD oN The New crimes lisT

If an individual seeking to be a provider begins providing services for an eligible recipient prior to completing all of the provider enrollment requirements, and he/she is ultimately determined to be eligible to be a provider, he/she would be eligible to receive retroactive payment to the start date of employment for the services he/she provided. However, if the individual is ultimately found ineligible to be a provider for any reason, he/she cannot receive payment from the IHSS program. The recipient will have to pay for services provided from his/her own pocket.

cRiminal backGRounD checks

# of Cleared IP’S (Current and New)

15,566

# of IP’s Disqualified (Current and New)

120

# of IP’s in Appeal Status

64

# of IP’s with Delayed results

36

# of IP’s with Unreadable prints

27


6

DeDuctions

social secuRity (Fica): Automatic deduction for all providers over 18 who earn wages of more than $1500 in a year EXCEPT parents or spouses of recipients, who are NOT eligible. 800-772-1213

meDicaRe: Automatic deduction for all providers over 18 who earn wages over $1500 a year, EXCEPT parents or spouses of recipients, who are NOT eligible. 800-772-1213

FeDeRal/state income tax: No automatic deductions. YOU MUST REQUEST THAT TAXES BE WITHELD BY COMPLETING a W-4 Form and submitting it to your Social Worker. The State will determine your eligibility to have taxes withheld ONLY after you make the request. State and Federal Tax withholding is STRICTLY VOLUNTARY. YOU ARE STILL REQUIRED TO FILE AN INCOME TAX RETURN AND PAY TAXES ON YOUR EARNINGS.

unDeRstanDinG youR WoRkeR beneFits, DeDuctions anD tax Responsibilites

beneFits

state Disability insuRance (sDi): Automatic deduction for all providers 18 or over who earn more than $750 per quarter, EXCEPT parents or spouses of recipients. Parents or spouses of recipients CAN elect to participate in the SDI program by obtaining a form from the recipients Social Worker. 800-480-3287

unemployment insuRance (ui): No deduction. Benefits are automatically available to all providers who earn more than $1,000 in a quarter, EXCEPT child providers under 18, and parents or spouses of recipients. 800-300-5616

WoRkeRs’ compensation: No deduction. Benefits are automatically available to eligible providers. 800 -736-7401

(Claims Only: call the Public Authority: 866-985-6322)

health insuRance: Health benefits premium will automatically deduct from the provider’s paycheck for those that are enrolled in the amount of $10.00.

Dental/vision: A $4.00 per month deduction collected by your Union. If you choose to cancel your dental plan you must provide your letter of request to the union. Please address your letter to Membership Satisfaction. Your letter should include your

the public authority gets many questions about paycheck deductions, tax withholding and W-2’s and we like to periodically remind everyone how this all works. We hope this information is helpful. phone numbers for each kind of benefit/deduction have been provided for those who would like further information.

RemembeR that youR employeR is the client oR clients that you WoRk FoR. neither the county, the public authority nor the state is your employer. the county, the public authority and the state provide certain services to assist Recipients and providers and to facilitate payments for services, but are not your employer.


7

name, address, phone number and social security number and state your request to cancel your dental plan. To insure that we honor your request you must include your social security number and phone number because many providers have the same name.

union (seiu 6434) Dues DeDuctions: Automatic deduction for all providers. This is a monthly deduction from providers to your union. The amount is set by the constitution and bylaws of the union and is subject to revision by the membership. The union is your elected representative for the purpose of collective bargaining with the San Bernardino County IHSS Public Authority. The amount varies, usually between $20-$40 per month depending on hours worked. The same fee applies to both union members and non-union members. 1- 888- 373-3018

cope: COPE stands for Committee On Political Education. COPE is optional and voluntary. If you signed up for COPE your contribution will be deducted from your check in addition to your union dues. If you wish to cancel your COPE deduction you must provide your letter of request to the union.

tax RepoRtinG

W-2’s: These are the statements that employers provide to employees to inform them of their annual earnings, and tax withholdings. They are to be filed with your State and Federal Income TAX. These forms are automatically mailed to you by the STATE (the State also prepares and mails your paycheck) by the end of January each year for wages earned the prior year, at the address on file (where your timecards/paychecks are sent) at the end of the year. Address changes and requests for duplicate W-2’s should be directed to the DAAS Payroll Clerks, but they DO NOT issue the W-2’s. The payroll clerk can only submit

your request to the state and the State issues the W-2’s. It is best to make sure that a correct address is on file BEFORE Dec. 31st each year.

W-4’s: These are the tax reporting forms you are asked to fill out when you first become a provider, and when there are any changes to your withholding status. They are used to determine how much tax withholding the state should apply to your checks. TAX WITHOLDING and COMPLETION of a W-4 is VOLUNTARY. However, you MUST PAY TAXES even if you elect not to have them withheld. You can get these forms from your DAAS payroll clerk, complete and return them, and the payroll clerk will send them to the state.

please RemembeR: Your wages as an IHSS provider MUST be reported to the state (Franchise Tax Board) and federal (IRS) tax agencies EVERY YEAR, unless you are exempt. For most workers, you must pay taxes on these earnings whether or not you are having taxes withheld. IRS: 800-829-1040 Franchise Tax Board: 800-852-5711

We hope this information has been helpful. If you have additional questions please call the Public Authority at any time and we will further assist you.


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Provider ServiceS corner

Provider Services Unit staff assists all San Bernardino County providers in obtaining employment verifications, opening worker’s compensation claims and enrolling in health benefits. If you need additional information about these services, detailed information regarding the services is available at our website http://hss.sbcounty.gov/PA/default.asp; or by calling the Provider Services Unit at 1-866-985-6322; Option 5.

proVIDEr sErVIcE august sEptEmBErEmployment Verifications Processed: 940 1020

Worker's Compensation claims processed: 3 7

Paycheck Call Center Calls Received 6898 9183

health beneFits neWs:

Currently health coverage for IHSS workers is provided through the Long-Term Care Workers Health Trust Fund (LTCWHTF) for persons enrolled before April, 2010; or through Select Benefits for persons enrolled after April, 2010.

For the past 6 months, your Union and the IHSS PA have been evaluating both plans. While both plans have provided excellent coverage and customer service, the new Select Benefits Plan is able to cover more IHSS providers at a lower cost.

Therefore, we have decided to terminate all coverage with the Trust and transfer all coverage to Select Benefits beginning January 1, 2011. If you are currently covered through the Trust, you will be receiving information in the mail soon that explains how your coverage will change; NO ONE WILL LOSE COVERAGE due to this transition; If you are currently

being covered through COBRA (paying your own premium) your cost will go down from $275/mo to about $230/mo. You may keep your current doctor, but it may be less expensive to change to a network provider under the new plan; and there will no longer be co-pays for regular doctor visits.

We look forward to the transition and being able to cover more people. If you have any questions please call Provider Services, at 1-866-985-6322, Option 5.


9

victoRville aRea / baRstoW

• Malvina Morrison — 760-955-6808 • Leslie Morton — 760-486-5910 • Rachealle Raigoza — 760-885-9962• Nancy McCart — 760-949-1899• Carolyn Coley — 760-792-1485• Nicole Hixson — 760-912-5598• Leslie Morton — 760-486-5910 • Stella Achor — 760-985-6556 • Sandra Collins — 760-662-5911• Mary Martini — 760-246-5653• Michelle Montalvo — 760-605-8035• Linda Gill — 760-221-0217• Loretta Jemison — 760-646-2838• Lillie Scarlett — 760-605-2661• Brenda Travis — 818-439-5958• Vallerie Moore — 760-455-2595• Joyce Jackson — 760-508-9082• Diana Matta — 760-605-8424• Sandra Davis — 760-964-5800• Brenda Travis — 818-439-5958• Velma Watson — 760-953-9343• LaTanya Eastman — 760-961-2726• Loretta Jemison — 760-646-2838• Erica Aldama — 760-590-8223

yucca valley aRea

• Linda Voighlander — 760-333-2903

neeDles• Jodie Staniforth — 760-628-8200

Rancho cucamonGa aRea

• Betty Renzullo — 909-986-5049• Maricela A. Perez — 909-917-521• Tina Lopez — 909-355-2100• Emma Cardenas — 909-952-0677• Shaire Wheeler — 909-980-2088• Lourdes Sevilla — 909-275-0822• Saddy Guerrero – 909-930-1021• Helen Guillory – 909-985-3922• David L. Davis – 909-996-0285

Do you need a private care provider?

We are a group of caregivers who are, or have been, available through the public authority Registry and are available for private pay services. payment arrangements are made directly with us, and neither the public authority nor ihss is responsible if you hire us privately.

Advertisement

If you would like to be put on Private Pay List please contact the PA Newsletter Department.

san beRnaRDino aRea anD suRRounDinG cities

• David Aguilera — 909-725-3787• Luz Meza — 909-503-6006 • Leba Templeton — 909-265-8017• Martha Singleton — 909-747-2818• Erlinda Sanchez — 909-269-0479• Carole Cole — 909-882-4417• Irene Morgan — 714-396-8240• Martha Crosthwaite — 951-306-7304 • Jeffrey McConnell — 909-841-5333• Linda Brooks — 909-232-5070• Annie King — 909-282-5449• Debbie Venable — 310-597-1844• Fannie Griffin — 951-295-4232• Shirley M. Carter — 909-227-5881• Abigail Rodriguez — 909-809-8269• Sandra Soto — 909-874-3812• Debbie Robert — 909-549-7846• Jennifer Harrington — 909-888-6293• Charlotte Jackson — 909-806-6367• Yotashiko Tucker — 909-269-5032• Stephanie Hill — 909-495-5586• Mary Gillion — 909-246-0474


10In an effort to honor our Registry Providers, last month we asked Recipients on the Public Authority registry to share with us their appreciation for their individual provider.

The responses were great! Many IHSS recipients were very excited to share their message of deep gratitude to their particular provider.

Although we could not list all of the wonderful reports we have received, we would like to recognize the outstanding contributions of all IHSS Providers in San Bernardino County. We had several winners this year: Regina Dos Santos, Jessie Hilario, Maria Calderon, Laura Fernandez, Beverly Dodwell, Joan Belcher, Tigar Smalley, Patricia Lopez and Martha Crosthwaite.

The IHSS Public Authority Joins in the Celebration of National Caregivers Month!

Client: GwenProvider: Regina

“My family has never met a warmer, caring and dedicated

person as Regina. No task was ever too small or too big for Regina, when

it came to her taking care of my mother. We will never forget Regina

and all the wonderful, kind and caring things she did to make my

mother’s life special.”

Client: GloriaProvider: Laura

“If you knew my caregiver like I do, you would know she was sent here to help me by God. She is

wonderful. I cry when I think of life without her help. “

Client: AdaProvider: Joan

“She is the most dedicate, ambitious, trustworthy, honest,

committed caretaker. She is like a second daughter…”

Client: CharmaProvider: Patricia

“She not only does her required duties, but also brings with her each day an

upbeat attitude, ready sense of humor, keen sense of kindness, compassion, honesty, integrity, and supportive

feedback when needed.”

Client: JulietteProvider: Martha

“She shows up on time for work. She motivates herself and sees what

needs to be done and then gives 100% in doing it. Martha is a wonderful cook and creative

in the kitchen”

Client: JeanProvider: Jessie

“She is everything a caregiver should be. She is my eyes, my hands,

and my feet. She is so efficient.


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County of San Bernardino IHSS Public Authority

686 E. Mill Street Updated 9/30/10 by MC San Bernardino, CA 92415

Dear Registry Provider, Please check all answers that apply to you at the time that you are completing this letter. 1. Please print clearly and complete all current contact information below and do not leave any sections

blank: First Name Middle Initial Last Name Home Address City Zip Code Primary Phone Number (where clients can call me) Secondary Phone Number Last 4 digits of your Social Security Number

Please check if this is a new address Please check if you have a new client

Please check to remove a phone # ( ) Please check to add a phone #________________

2. I am currently working for the following clients: Please provide name of Client hours and days working

Client 1:_____________________________________Client 2:_____________________________________ Client 3:_____________________________________

3. I am not available to work for any Clients at this time and do not wish to have my name referred out

because:

I have enough clients and would like to be placed as Fully Employed (I will be required to call once every three months to update).Name of client(s)___________________________________________________

I have a job outside of the Registry I would like my name removed from the Registry Other:________________________________________

If you checked one of the boxes in question #3, PLEASE STOP HERE, SIGN AND RETURN. If not, PLEASE ANSWER QUESTIONS 4, SIGN AND RETURN. 4. I am available to work for Consumers on (check all that apply and enter available times) Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun Example: 9-12 Mornings Afternoons Evenings

Cities I can work in_____________________________________________________________________ Provider Signature Date

ihSS Public authorityTOLL FREE 866-985-6322

Or 909-386-5014Registry: Press 4

Benefits: Press 5

Fingerprints: Press 6

Paychecks: 800-722-4595 FAX: 909-891-9130

Visit us @http://hss.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/PA/

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID San Bernardino, CA

PERMIT No. 1677

686 East Mill Steet

San Bernardino, CA 92415-0034

Documents

Here We Go AGAin!! StAte BudGet reductionS And cHAnGeShss.sbcounty.gov/PA/Newsletter/pdf/winter2010.pdf · IHSS Public Authority Newsletter Winter 2010 Helen Lopez, 1 Executive Director