HOMECARE ACROSS ILLINOIS BOARD MEETING MINUTES

Maverick Steak House, Springfield, IL

March 11, 2005

 

Members Present: Mary Reed, Peg Murphy, Gail Ripka, Therese Macias, Marge Hillen, Ruth Ann Flowers, Jeff Workman, Teresa Smith and Maxine Barth

 

Guest:  Jonathan C. Dopkeen, IDPH I-SAVE RX

 

Mary Reed called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM.

 

Marge Hillen made a motion to accept the minutes of  January 14, 2004, second by Therese Macias.  Motion carried.

 

Gail Ripka presented treasurer’s report, we have a balance of $5,548.32 after conference expenses, and we have not received the money form IDPH.  Maxine Barth made motion to accept report as submitted second by Peg Murphy.  Motion carried.

 

 Committee Reports

 

Web site-Jeff Workman; may transfer to a different Web site host, no increase in cost, no updates, discussion followed.

Contracting Committee: Gail Ripka has spoken with Diana Whitney (works for Managed Care Partners) regarding managed care and HCAI, most insurance Medicaid/Medicare are going towards rates/visit.  Discussion followed.  Mary Reed reported DORS would be paying $38/Therapy visits effective January 1, 2006.

Critical Access Hospitals may stay away from Medicare Managed Care.  Health Alliance interested in working with HCAI.  Health Link will give a presentation to HCAI board members.  HCAI could become a PPO-give us better way to contract with different payer source.  Gail to arrange for someone to discuss at our board meeting.

 

Legislative-Teresa Smith reported the rural add on has been defeated, sounds like private duty will not pass.  In the President’s budget there are cuts to Medicaid.

 

Guest Speaker-Jonathan Dopkeen; gave a presentation on I-SAVE RX program, (see handout) there are four states providing I-Save RX programs in their states. There are about 5,000 people enrolled the IL. Program.  The program is for maintenance drugs only drugs must go through utilization review.  There are 23% of IL residents without RX coverage.  The I-SAVE RX program is open to everyone in the state.  Jonathan asked the board (HCAI) to help enroll people into the program.  Jonathan was asking for support and direct services.  No action was taken on his request; it was decided we (HCAI Members) are to let our clients know of I-SAVE RX availability.

 

July conference report: (the June conference has been moved to July to accommodate speakers).  The schedule was discussed and speakers have been confirmed. 

July 7th 8:30-10:00 Richard Peelo, 10:00-10:15 Break, 10:15-11:30 Abraham, Gaffney audit firm, 11:30-12:00 PPS + and CHSP panel discussion.  12:00-1:15 round table lunch.  1:15-4:00 Department of Labor and Department of IDES with a break.

July 8th Breakfast, 8:30-12:00 Rebecca Zuber and Terri Cichon with a break mid way

Marge Hillen made motion to offer to pay $500 each to Peelo, Zuber and Cichon, seconded by Therese.  Motion carried. Mary stated she felt John had confirmed the hotel and meals.

 

Date for fall meeting is November 18.

 

Bioterrorism Training for Home Health Agencies, Mary had received a memo from Nancy Nelson asking that HCAI cosponsor a Bioterrorism Training with IHCC.  There will be a northern Training July 26th and down state training, Springfield July 27.  Teresa made motion to cosponsor the training seconded by Peg.  Motion carried.

 

The next Meeting May 13, 2005 at Mavericks in Springfield.

 

Marge made motion to adjourn seconded by Jeff.  Motion carried. Adjourned at 12:00 P.M.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

Maxine Barth, RN, MSN

Secretary