Facilitate a kick-off meeting with the Department to: Finalize the scope of work, approach, and timeline. Clarify an understanding of current service requirements. Review preliminary analyses of cost data relating to the Department’s ISS and IHSP programs. Facilitate kick-off meetings with respective advisory groups of Providers and other stakeholders identified by the Department to present: The approach to review costs and develop the rate structure process; The processes and timeline for this project; A draft of the Provider agency surveys to be conducted. Conduct data collection and other research to support the cost study including: Developing an Excel based Provider survey to support the cost study with accompanying instructions, which: Focuses on ISS and IHSP activities, including the costs associated with establishing and maintaining ISS and IHSP services, provide staff training, and ongoing administration of the program. Shall be emailed to Providers using a contact list provided by the Department. Includes the awarded Bidder’s contact information for Providers to request assistance as needed. Providing, recording, and posting online a technical assistance webinar throughout the survey period. Allowing Providers three-to-four (3-4) weeks to complete the surveys. Conducting individual reviews of surveys and follow-up with Providers regarding any incomplete information or issues that require clarification. Aggregating and summarizing data from the surveys to development of rate models. Summarized data shall be shared with the Department and be part of the documentation that will be shared publicly when proposed rate models are released. Conducting additional research in developing the rate models, including information regarding payment rates for similar programs offering long term services and supports in other state-funded and Medicaid-funded programs in other states. Develop a draft rate model. The draft rate model shall: Be based on specific assumptions related to: Wages, benefits, and billable time for staff providing recruitment, training, and supervision. Payments to the Providers. Administration and program support costs; and Any other relevant factors. Detail assumptions allowing for an informed understanding of what is included in the rate and for the Department to adjust the rate over time, as necessary. Present the draft rate models with supporting documentation and an estimated fiscal impact to the Department for review. Any changes to the models based shall be made before rates are presented publicly. Post the proposed rate models and supporting documentation online and present the results to Providers and other stakeholders, as identified by the Department. Establish a dedicated email account and allow interested parties three-to-four (3-4) weeks to submit written comments. Review and draft written responses to recommendations. Present responses to comments and provide recommendations for any changes to the rate models to the Department for consideration. Finalize and submit the recommended rates and supporting documentation to the Department.
