Minutes 10/28/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 28, 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, the backlog of renewal applications continues. • On October 2, 2014, the Department of Social and Human Services agencies were notified by VDSS additional funds have been made available to work on the backlog of Medicaid renewal applications. Discussion: • VDSS is allocating one time funding in FY15 to pay for additional staff hours to process the backlog of Medicaid renewal applications. This allocation must be used by December 12, 2014. • Department of Social and Human Services agencies accepting this allocation must commit to dedicating staff to the task of processing Medicaid renewal applications only. • VDSS established specific criteria and guidelines for tracking these work hours. The DSS administration has prior experience coordinating one time funding for non- exempt personnel with the City's Departments of Human Resources and Finance. 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 the purpose intended by VDSS. • Completion of VDSS documentation and compliance with the guidelines provided. • Initiate the work schedule formulated to process the Medicaid renewal applications. Motion by Ms. Psimas, and seconded by Mr. Meeks, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: "ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING A SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET ALLOCATION FROM THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $47,115 AND APPROPRIATING SAID FUNDS IN THE FY 2014-15 SOCIAL SERVICES FUND FOR USE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES TO FUND COMPENSATION FOR PERSONNEL TO PROCESS MEDICAID RENEWAL APPLICATIONS." Ayes: Cherry, Edmonds, Meeks, Moody, Psimas, Randall, Wright Nays: None 14 - 409 -Adoption of an ordinance appropriating in the FY 2014-15 Social Services Fund the sum of $3,700 allocated by the Virginia Department of Social Services to the Portsmouth Department of Social Services to fund Respite Care services. Vision Principles: Neighborhoods and a Sense of Community, Quality of Life and Lifelong Learning Community.