WHAT TYPES OF SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?

In order to be referred to the Family Support Services program, you or your family member must be currently eligible for MRDD Services and all of your family member's needs should be addressed and included in the ISP or IFSP. Your service coordinator is required to help you find other resources before referring you to Family Support Services.
 
Respite/Support Service Needs

  • Respite: More than 60 percent of our families utilize their funds for respite services. Families can choose their own provider or choose from a listing of LCBMRDD-approved providers. Respite is approved as a total dollar amount and can be distributed as the family prefers.

  • Adaptive Equipment: Include items needed for therapy; or specialized equipment for the home, school or family vehicle.

  • Summer Programs: Covers individual pool passes, summer school programs, and summer camps or retreats.

  • Supplies: This may include medical supplies, diapers and general supplies needed for the individual not covered under any other services.

  • Home Modifications/Ramps: FSS may help pay for home modifications needed to help the individual live more comfortably. Ramps are also covered for the family home, although other sources must be exhausted before utilizing these funds.

  • Therapeutic Services: May help families cover the cost of copays and/or alternative therapies. These therapies may include standard physical, speech and occupational therapy, but also holistic and alternative therapies not covered under insurance and/or Medicaid.

  • Special Diet/Medications: FSS may be used to help with monthly medication expenses, and any special diet needs.

  • Other Special Requests: Any reasonable request will be considered by the FSS Review Committee.

WHO PAYS?

Copays

  • Copays are based on the federal taxable income (after deduction) and include everyone living in the home. The income verification portion of the FSS Plan will be used to determine the financial responsibility of the family.

  • If a copay is necessary, the family will receive a waiver form with their approval letter.
    The waiver of copay may be filled out any time after the approval is received. This form allows for extenuating circumstances within the family to reduce or waive the copay.

  • The FSS Committee will make final recommendations regarding a reduction or approval of a waiver of copay.

  • Families approved for a waiver or reduction of copay will receive a letter stating the approval. Also included in the letter will be a new Payment Authorization for Services (PAS) with the updated dollar amount approved.

Payments

  • Pay sheets and original receipts are sent to the Licking County Auditor's office on the 15th and 30th of each month. In order to ensure reimbursement is processed, families need to have all information to the Administration office (65 W. Church St., Newark, OH  43055) no later than the 14th and 29th of each month.

  • Receipts and timesheets are required to process payment. It usually takes 10-14 days for the auditor's office to cut a check after receiving the required documentation.

  • To be assured reimbursement, families shall obtain estimated costs and prior approval from Arletta Hinger, FSS Coordinator, before submitting expenses for services other than respite.

  • Families utilizing Board-approved providers need to know that those providers will be receiving their checks directly.

  • Family-approved providers are paid by the family, either when the service is completed, or when the check is received from the auditor's office.

  • Please be advised that the auditor's offices closes annually from Dec. 15 to Jan. 15 to complete its year-end reporting process. All reimbursement requests submitted after Dec. 10 cannot be processed until late January.

CAN I CHOOSE MY OWN PROVIDER?

There are two types of providers within the FSS program -- those that are Board-approved, and others that are family-approved.

  • Board approved providers must have certain qualifications and be certified by LCBMRDD before their name is added to the FSS Provider List. These requirements include: a supervised practicum, time spent with individuals served by the LCBMRDD and their families, criminal background checks, CPR and first aid, and a health and safety inspection of the home. Board-certified respite providers receive up to 40 hours of training. The superintendent and/or designee may waive the training if the provider has documented experience with individuals with MRDD.

  • Family-approved providers are familiar with the individual to be served and are, in many cases, neighbors, friends or even extended family members. In order to utilize a family-approved provider, our FSS families must complete and return a Provider Packet. This packet is a three-page document that lists the provider name, address and phone number, the agreed-upon hourly/daily rate, the location of services, an authorization to transport and a waiver of liability for the Licking County Board of MRDD. If a family chooses their own provider, it is the family's responsibility to make sure training is provided, if needed.

Click here to see the latest LCBMRDD Family Support Services Provider List

 

ELIGIBILITY AND THE APPROVAL PROCESS

In order to be referred to the Family Support Services program, you or your family member must be currently eligible for MRDD services, and all of your family member's needs should be addressed and included in the ISP or IFSP. Your service coordinator is required to help you find other resources before referring your family to Family Support Services.

Within 7 days of receiving a referral, we will send you the annual FSS Plan. Your service coordinator will be happy to help you with any questions or with filling out this plan. Specific directions are given on the last page of the FSS Plan. This plan needs to be completed and returned to:

Arletta Hinger, FSS Coordinator
The Licking County Board of MRDD
65 W. Church St.
Newark, OH  43055

Distribution of money will take place in June and December of each year. In order to receive FSS money, families must return a completed plan to the Board of MRDD by the May 15 and November 15.

The FSS Review Committee will review each plan and distribute all FSS money in a fair and equitable manner. Decisions will be based on the number of families applying, needs identified by the family and a maximum amount of money available for the total program. Once approved, families will receive a packet of information that will include the following:

  • Payment of Authorization or voucher for (includes total money available to you).

  • Approval letter with a list of service codes for the services you are approved to use.

  • A copy of the appeals process.

  • Timesheets if you have requested respite.

  • A provider Packet if you have requested respite.

  • Waiver of Copay Request form if the total family income exceeds $27,258.

Annually, the superintendent or other designated representative will appoint a committee for a term of two years to assist with FSS allocation. This committee will review and make recommendations on such issues as: waiver of copays, request for goods and services that fall outside the approved items, and emergencies. The committee will be composed of the LCBMRDD Director of Finance/representative, a parent of an individual who receives LCBMRDD services, a provider of MRDD services, and two service coordinators. The committee will meet no less than twice a year, or when requests warrant additional meetings.

ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT BULLETIN BOARD

Do you have adaptive equipment you are trying to sell or need to purchase? Post your request, inquiry or item on this bulletin board by sending a detailed message to: admin@LCBMRDD.org and we'll post it for you.

 

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