Consumer Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS)
Last Updated 9/18/2009
As you may know, the Department issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) rather than renew the contract with Accent Intermediary Services, the current Financial Management Services (FMS) Organization. Selection of a new contractor was through a competitive process with the bidder responses reviewed by a RFP evaluation committee. The committee members all signed documents affirming they had no personal or financial interest regarding which vendor would be recommended for award.
On August 10, 2009, the Notice of Intent to Award letter was sent to all vendors that submitted proposals. The contract has been awarded to Public Partnership, LLC (PPL). PPL is a national company that services public health and human services agencies in 14 states; PPL also has the expertise to help the Department in the transition. PPL has successfully transitioned similar programs from other vendors in many states including Maryland, New Jersey, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
The Department is aware there are concerns about possible challenges in the transition process. It is our goal to make the transition as smooth and seamless as possible for every CDASS client. In efforts to meet this goal we will be working closely with Accent Intermediary Services, Public Partnership, LLC and case managers to plan and execute the transition.
On behalf of the Department and case managers we want to say thank you to Accent Intermediary Services for their hard work to Colorado consumer direction and CDASS clients under the pilot program as well as through the transition to an approved service delivery option under the HCBS-EBD and MI waivers.
The State of Colorado is also dealing with many budget cuts. The first of the cuts effective July 1, 2009, did not affect CDASS clients and/or individual allocations. The second set of budget cuts, effective September 1, 2009, does reduce rates for Homemaker and Personal Care services by 1.5%, which will have a small reduction to CDASS client monthly allocations.
The Department will continue to notify you of any updates on the transition to the new financial management agency through the Department's website. The planned date for full transfer to PPL is December 1, 2009. Accent and PPL will be collaborating and coordinating during this transition and the Department will be actively monitoring the transition to ensure seamless provision of services. Please direct any questions regarding your CDASS monthly allocations to your case manager.
CDASS makes funds available based on each clients current level of need as defined in a service plan developed by the client and case manager. These funds are typically paid to a home health agency for provision of attendant support services. Clients and/or their AR are required to manage their attendant support and budget within a monthly allocation.
Clients interested in directing their attendant support services, which include personal care, homemaker, and health maintenance tasks, may contact their local Single Entry Point Case Management Agency for more information.