ANCOR's 2010 Governmental Activities Seminar & DSPs to DC - Agenda
(dates and times subject to change)
Sunday, September 12
10:00 am - 6:30 pm
Registration (Governmental Activities Seminar attendees only) - foyer, lower level
3:15 pm - 4:00 pm
Visit exhibits - Ballroom I & Hermitage, lower level
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Keynote: Community Living in the "Not-So-Communal" Washington: What ANCOR Members Need to Do to Be Heard - Ballrooms II/III, lower level
Stephanie Vance, The Advocacy Guru
You've probably heard there have been some big changes in Washington, DC in the last couple years, with more to come! Join Stephanie Vance, the Advocacy Guru, an energetic and entertaining speaker, who will offer insights into the new ways of doing business in Washington, DC and, more importantly, practical ideas on how ANCOR advocate leaders can be heard on critical policy issues. We'll look at how the Obama Administration's outlook has influenced grassroots advocacy efforts as well as what to expect from the 2010 mid-term elections. We'll also focus on critical techniques for building relationships with legislators at home. As the adage goes, "all politics are local" and ANCOR advocacy leaders have tremendous opportunities to tell the local story. This session will tell you how!
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
State Share: Around the States: Providers Taking Action - Ballrooms II/III, lower level
Diane McComb, ANCOR State Association Executive Liaison
Janet Stover, Executive Director, Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities
Sandra (Sam) Hedrick, President, RHA/Howell Care Centers, Inc.
This valuable session gives attendees a chance to see the results of information gathered from the ANCOR’s Board of Representatives and State Associations on important state activities affecting providers. Then, take the mic and talk about how providers are taking action on important issues in your states!
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Welcome reception - Ballroom I & Hermitage, lower level
A great chance to mingle with exhibitors and colleagues.
Monday, September 13
7:45 am - 5:30 pm
Registration - foyer, lower level
7:45 am - 8:30 am
Continental breakfast with exhibitors - Ballroom I & Hermitage, lower level
Don't miss this chance to visit with exhibitors before you get busy with sessions!
8:30 am - 9:00 am
Opening session - Ballroom II/III, lower level
We're kicking off a full day with this session.
9:00 am - 9:45 am
Fiscal Survey of the States - Ballroom II/III, lower level
Stacey Mazer, Senior Staff Associate, National Association of State Budget Officers
Martha Roherty, Executive Director, National Association of State Units on Aging and Disability
How are states managing their budgets in these trying economic times? What is the impact on human services, especially on supports for individuals with disabilities? The National Association of State Budget Officers and the National Governor's Association have surveyed the states to take a snapshot of state budgets. Hear the results of this survey directly from the source, which show that as expected, FY 2010 presented the most difficult challenge yet for states’ financial management since the Great Depression. Fiscal 2011 is expected to present states with significant continuing fiscal difficulties with slower than average growth.
9:45 am - 10:30 am
Opportunities in Health Reform: The CLASS Program - Ballroom II/III, lower level
Larry Minnix, CEO, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
Connie Garner, Policy Director, Government Strategies Practice, Foley Hoag, LLC
The Affordable Care Act, passed last March, offers significant and positive changes to long-term supports and services, including improvements to Medicaid. With an estimated 10 million Americans in need of long term services and supports and Medicaid paying 50% of the costs, the Affordable Care Act includes a new national insurance program designed to address this growing need for long term services, while reducing the burden on Medicaid. ANCOR members will hear from Larry Minnix, President and CEO of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging and Connie Garner of Advance CLASS, on how the new program offers positive opportunities for all providers of long-term services and supports.
10:30 am - 11:00 am
Break with exhibitors - Ballroom I & Hermitage, lower level
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Challenges in Health Reform: Employer Provisions - Ballroom II/III, lower level
Lisa Horn, Government Affairs Manager for Health Care, Society of Human Resource Managers
Although many provisions of the Affordable Care Act don't take effect until 2014 or later, ANCOR members as employers need to know the law’s impact on their organizations now and throughout its implementation. Many of the decisions that providers will be forced to make in a few years—such as whether to offer health coverage to employees or pay a fine—will be influenced by decisions made before then on a number of issues, such as whether to change insurers and whether to pass on more costs to employees. Will the requirement to report the value of health plans on W2 forms lead to a new tax you're your organization changes insurance providers, will we lose its “grandfathered” status? ANCOR members as employers need to be prepared for the implications of this new law and this plenary session will help answer many of your health reform questions.
12:05 pm - 1:15 pm
Luncheon - Atrium Ballroom, mezzanine Level
Join your colleagues for a mix of table topics and/or general networking.
1:30 pm - 2:15 pm
The Year of Community Living - Ballroom II/III, lower level
Suzie Bosstick, CMS Disabled and Elderly Health Programs Group, Group Deputy Director
On June 22, 2009, to mark the 10th anniversary of the Supreme Court Olmstead v. L.C. Decision, President Obama announced the "Year of Community Living" initiative. With 2010 marking the 20th Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act and ANCOR's 40th Anniversary, it is only fitting that ANCOR members be given the opportunity to learn more about CMS’s Community Living Initiative activities.
2:15 pm - 2:45 pm
Break with exhibitors - Ballroom I & Hermitage, lower level
2:45 pm - 3:45 pm
Up Close with CMS - Ballroom II/III, lower level
CMS, Disabled and Elderly Programs Group
Did you learn a lot from the CMS plenary session? Want more time with CMS officials? Interested in more specific information on CMS programs, upcoming regulations, taxonomy project, and the implementation provisions in the new health reform law? Then join CMS again at this breakout session, where you’ll have even greater opportunity to ask questions and interact with a key official in the Disabled and Elderly Programs Group.
Changing the Culture of State Advocacy - Ashwood, lower level
Laura Howell, Executive Director, MACs, Maryland
Marsha Colegrove, Regional Director, Danville Services, Utah
Judy Goodwin, Executive Director, OCP, Oklahoma
Are you looking for inspiration to make big changes in your state? This panel presentation will explore successful advocacy efforts by states that have found power by joining forces with multiple organizations and forming coalitions.
Participants attending this session will leave with an understanding of how coalitions benefit a common cause even if members aren’t in agreement on all issues; how to resolve conflict; strategies for media engagement; and how to plan for the long haul.
Breakout: Using Provider Taxes to Leverage State Medicaid Match - Sagamore Hill, lower level
Jim Frizzera, Managing Principal, Health Management Associates
With state revenues down, what can providers do to help states finance Medicaid services and supports to people with disabilities and improve payment rates? Learn the basics regarding the use of provider taxes, legislative and regulatory parameters, and what information is best needed to prepare for considering this resource for financing services and supports to individuals with disabilities. Explore with an expert, other options to increase revenues for home and community based supports and services and how providers can play a major role in financing their state’s Medicaid program in exchange for improved payment rates funded by the federal matching amounts.
To Sue or not to Sue? Medicaid Rate Litigation Update and Panel Discussion - Springwood, lower level
Joel Hamme, Esq., Powers, Pyles, Sutter and Verville
As states enter the third year of declining revenues, providers are getting hit with new or deeper rate cuts. Is there any limit to how deep states may cut provider rates? This issue is particularly timely given California's recent effort to seek U.S. Supreme Court review of the 9th Circuit rulings blocking draconian Medicaid rate reductions. This session updates Joel Hamme's popular October 2009 webinar and will provide an in-depth look at how courts around the country are responding to recent challenges to budgetary-driven restrictions by states on Medicaid rates and services. Particular emphasis will be devoted to legal and strategic hurdles to mounting challenges to Medicaid actions on rates and services.
3:45 pm - 4:15 pm
Break with exhibitors - Ballroom I & Hermitage, lower level
4:15 pm - 5:15 pm
Provider Input Sought on New HHS/CMS Center of Excellence and Collection of Data on Waivers - Ballroom II/III, lower level
Rosaly Correa-de-Araujo, M.D., M.Sc., Ph.D., Deputy Director, HHS Office on Disability, Office of the Secretary
In addition to Dr. Correa-de-Araujo’s role as the Deputy Director of the HHS Office on Disability, she is the technical and scientific lead of a new Center of Excellence in Research on Disability Services, Care Coordination and Integration. The Office on Disability received a two-year grant award of over $6 million in May under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, to establish this new Center that is responsible for collecting data that will allow the HHS Office on Disability and CMS to examine the effectiveness of different services and supports being provided to individuals with disabilities and, in turn, improve services. Of particular interest to providers will be Center assessments of Medicaid data on state plan and waiver services supplied by specific states and the identification and recommendations of ways to achieve greater consistency on how services are used and defined. Dr. Araujo is eager to reach out to providers regarding the Center’s activities. Session attendees will gain knowledge of the Center of Excellence’s efforts to ensure quality supports and have the opportunity to offer provider input on this unique initiative.
Inside the Chamber: Providers as State Legislators - Ashlawn, lower level
Gary Blumenthal, CEO, Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers, Massachusetts, Former Kansas State Legislator
Fred Romkema, CEO, Northern Hills Training Center, South Dakota State Legislator
Have you ever wondered how you could really influence the legislative process in your state? Or even thought about becoming part of the process? Some ANCOR members have decided to jump in head first and become one of "them" and run for a state legislative office. In this session, a current and former state legislator will tell you why they decided to take the plunge. Fred Romkema and Gary Blumenthal will share their perspectives on responding to many constituencies, the importance of educating state legislators on Medicaid, and give you tips on influencing state and federal legislators.
Providers Address the Challenge of Affordable Employee Health Insurance - Sagamore Hill, lower level
Dave Toeniskoetter, CEO, Dungarvin
Debi Allsup, Director of Human Resources & Risk Management, Dungarvin
Mike Decker, COO, Liberty
Paula Hart, CEO, Dakota Communities
In an era of rising costs and declining revenues, providers are being severely squeezed by the effect of rapid inflation in employee health insurance costs. A panel of providers will discuss their varying approaches to this challenge, including high-deductible plans, limited medical plans, and wellness programs. Panelists will also react to morning plenary sessions on health reform and discuss planning for the future of employee benefit plans.
Provider Panel Discussion: Factors to Consider When Deciding Whether to Bring Suit - Springwood, lower level
Joel Hamme, Esq., Powers, Pyles, Sutter and Verville
Barbara Merrill, Director of Government Relations, The MENTOR Network
Panelists will provide their perspective on how their state association approached the decision to sue, and subsequent developments. This discussion will feature representatives from associations that have brought suit, associations that have rejected the legal route, and states that have employed alternative measures. This panel discussion will encourage audience participation and questions.
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
ANCOR 40th Anniversary Party - Smithsonian American Art Museum/National Portrait Gallery, 8th & F Streets, NW (entrance on 8th & G Streets, NW)
Open to 40th Anniversary Club Members, sponsors, Legacy Leaders, featured artists, ANCOR DSP state award winners and other invited guests.
Held at t this historic location, we've planned a celebration of our field's considerable achievements, camaraderie and fun. We'll be inducting the inaugural class of ANCOR Foundation Legacy Leaders and showcasing 70 self-portraits by individuals served by ANCOR members.
Tuesday, September 14
7:45 am - 8:15 am
Continental breakfast - ballroom foyer, lower level
Enjoy some breakfast before the morning sessions begin!
8:15 am - 9:00 am
A Recommitment to Enforcing the Rights of Individuals with Disabilities: DOJ’s Role and Progress - Ballroom I, II, III, lower level
Thomas Perez, Esq., United States Department of Justice
Last year, on the anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision in the case of Olmstead v. L.C., President Obama launched "The Year of Community Living," a new effort to assist Americans with disabilities. As part of this initiative, the President believes that more can be done to show federal leadership toward ending the institutional bias to ensure the promise of Olmstead, ADA, and the Fair Housing Act to ensure that people with disabilities can leave inappropriate institutional living arrangements and receive supports and services in the community. The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division has taken steps recommitting its efforts and resources to enforce the rights of individuals with disabilities.
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Building Bridges: Reshaping Service Delivery - Ballroom I, II, III, lower level
Rick Fenton, Deputy Director, Health Services, National Association of State Medicaid Directors
Nancy Thaler, Executive Director, National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services
What should we expect in the future of service delivery? Panelists will discuss the effects of health reform, state budgets, the aging population and the CLASS Act on the future of home and community based services and how providers can continue to ensure community inclusion and full participation on the new frontier.
10:00 am - 10:15 am
Break
10:15 am - 11:15 am
Celebrating the Right to Community Services: A Vision for the Future - Ballroom I, II, III, lower level
David Ferleger, Esq.
We have seen major strides in the right to community services and supports to individuals with disabilities over the past 40 years. Certainly passage of the ADA in 1990 and the 1999 Supreme Court Olmstead decision provide major tools for challenging in court the right to community living. In the midst of current budgetary crises, many states across the nation are reducing services and supports to individuals with disabilities living in their own homes and communities. Learn about recent examples of how services and supports are being reduced without appropriate assessment of individual needs—including Mr. Ferleger's recent challenge in court of a reduction in waiver supports of a young Louisiana man with developmental disabilities. He also will discuss challenges and opportunities for litigation in the future. Mr. Ferleger has been at the center of court challenges for over 30 years, litigating landmark disability cases, including before the U. S. Supreme Court.
11:15 am - 12:00 pm
You Need to Know Me, I'm a DSP! (joint session with DSPs to DC) - Ballroom I, II, III, lower level
Jeff Britt, Vice President, Grassroots Issue Management, McGuireWoods Consulting, LLC
Get the latest information on ANCOR’s National Advocacy Campaign (NAC) and continued efforts to advocate on behalf of increased wages for the DSP workforce as a means to reduce turnover within the profession, and promote community living for millions of Americans with disabilities.
Plus, join us as we honor all winners of ANCOR’s 2010 DSP of the Year Contest! The DSP of the Year Award recognizes the stars of the direct support workforce, while affording ANCOR and its members an opportunity to showcase the direct support workforce, its good works and the ongoing challenges its faces. Applicants for this esteemed award were judged on such criteria as how well they help the people they support build social capital, foster independence, establish ties with the person served and their families, as well as the level of creativity the nominee exhibited in performing their duties. Join us in honoring our DSP Class of 2010!
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Lunch on your own and Hill visits
