Minutes 04/22/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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April 22, 2014 Background: • Effective October 2013 the VDSS expanded use of the Virginia Case Management System (VaCMS) to include the acceptance and processing of Medicaid applications. The system is challenged to properly function in light of the volume of applications being processed statewide by the Social and Human Services agencies collectively. VDSS continues to modify the system to improve serviceability of the Medicaid applications. The system improvements implemented have improved the processing ability; however, a backlog of applications continues to exist. • VDSS via a conference call on April 3, 2014 proposed funding additional work hours for the agencies with the backlogs. All agencies, including Portsmouth, agreed to accept the funding subject to the official approval of their respective local jurisdiction. Discussion: • VDSS is allocating one time funding in FY14 to pay for additional staff hours to process the backlog of Medicaid applications. This allocation must be used by May 31, 2014. • Department of Social and Human Services agencies accepting this allocation must commit to dedicating staff to the task of processing Medicaid applications forty-five (45) days and older. • The VDSS established specific criteria and guidelines for tracking these work hours. The DSS administration, in conjunction with the City's Departments of Human Resources and Finance, has reviewed the guidelines and will comply. Financial Impact • There is no local match requirement, thus an appropriation from the General Fund is not required. VDSS is providing 100% of the funding for the additional staff hours. Recommended Action: • Adoption of the ordinance. Vision Principles: Neighborhoods and a Sense of Community, Quality of Life and Lifelong Learning Community. Next Steps Following Council Action: • Allocation of funds in the city's financial system within the department's budget. The funds will be used only for purpose intended by VDSS. • Completion of VDSS documentation and compliance with the guidelines provided. • Initiate the work schedule formulated to process the Medicaid applications (aged 45 days and older). Motion by Mr. Edmonds, and seconded by Mr. Meeks, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: "ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING A SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET ALLOCATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,850 FROM THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN THE FY 2013-14 SOCIAL SERVICES FUND FOR USE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES TO PROVIDE ONE-TIME FUNDING FOR ADDITIONAL STAFF HOURS TO PROCESS A BACKLOG OF MEDICAID APPLICATIONS." Ayes: Cherry, Edmonds, Meeks, Moody, Psimas, Randall, Wright Nays: None - New Business - 14 - 166 -Boards and Commissions There were no appointments.