MEMORANDUM
TO:AAA DirectorsNOTICE#: 010305-2-I-LA
FROM:Terry White
Secretary
DATE:January 3, 2005
SUBJECT:Notice of Instruction: SHINE Supplemental LTC Grant
The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) has received notice of a Supplemental Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) Grant through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The purpose of this Notice is to announce the availability of additional funds and to provide instruction on how each Area Agency on Aging (AAA) will apply for these funds. This LTC grant allows SHINE to serve elders, their caregivers, representatives and pre-eligible beneficiaries age 50-64. This Long-term Care Initiative was discussed with SHINE Liaisons and volunteer leadership during conference calls and at the November 2004 Leadership Meeting in Jacksonville. Funding increases will be accomplished by amending existing SHINE contracts with each Area Agency on Aging (AAA). A percentage formula defined and calculated by the DOEA Planning and Evaluation Unit calculates the percentage of residents in each PSA who are aged 50 or older. The percentages and potential supplemental fund amounts are attached.
Because this additional funding was received and accepted during the third quarter of the SHINE Grant year, it is anticipated these supplemental funds will be used during the fourth quarter (January-March) of the SHINE Grant year. Unused funds will be carried forward for use during the SHINE 2005-2006 Grant Year, ending March 2006.
To receive this supplemental LTC grant, each AAA will develop a work plan, spending plan and budget, which outline local initiatives relating to the four primary outcomes:
- Develop an enhanced capacity to provide information and assistance on the various financing options for long-term care services
- Increase awareness of the need to plan for long-term care by clients 50 and older by creating local education and outreach activities which compliment state-wide initiatives
- Instruct selected SHINE volunteers and staff to be able to apply assessment skills in helping clients who seek more in-depth information and assistance with long-term care questions and problems, and
- Establish collaborative working relationships and a system of local referral sources, including Federal offices, State Departments or local agencies, for assistance with problems related to funding for long-term care services.
Notice of Instruction: SHINE Supplemental LTC Grant
January 3, 2005
Page Two
More detail is contained in the attached DOEA grant application report that was submitted to CMS. Grant No. 11-P-20218/4-12 anticipates the possible need for enhanced technology, additional staff support for volunteers and for program administration. Work plans must include a component to measure outcomes achieved, and how these outcomes relate to the objectives. Progress will be reported through the existing SHINE tri-annual reporting system. The existing SHINE Work plan may be modified to simplify the documentation requirements. A recently received notice from CMS indicates SHINE funding will increase through the 2005-2006 SHINE grant year. A conference call will be scheduled to discuss this opportunity.
Work and spending plans will be due to the Grant Manager, John D. Chreno, , (850) 414-2157, within thirty (30) days of issuance of this Notice. Feedback will be provided within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the work, spending and budget plans. Contract amendments will be forwarded thereafter.
It is anticipated that due to the current focus on beneficiary education and service related to Medicare Modernization Act, Public Law 108-173, and the Prescription Discount Card program in every PSA, this LTC planning initiative and other SHINE initiatives can be integrated into the Area Plan and promoted/supported by AAA staff. During the upcoming program year, DOEA will work with AAAs to ensure the resources of SHINE and this initiative will be incorporated into the Area Plan, Program Module, Section P.VII., AoA Goal 1, and DOEA Priority Area 1. Supplemental funds may be used in conjunction with other sources already in place.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation. We look forward to receiving creative proposals that remove barriers to service.
TW/jdc
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