Specifications include, but are not limited to: Identify and summarize Independent Support Services (ISS) or an equivalent program that is primarily focused on providing Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) support best practice models from at least three (3) states, including models that are reimbursed with state funds and models reimbursed with Medicaid funds. Work with the Department to determine the final list of states included for review. Compare the selected state’s ISS (or an equivalent program that is primarily focused on providing IADL support) model to the Department’s ISS model. Include reimbursement rates, Medicaid authorizations (e.g., 1915c waiver services, state Medicaid plan, etc.), available services and service delivery. Analyze each state’s ISS (or an equivalent program that is primarily focused on providing IADL support) regulatory requirements: Compare regulatory ISS (or an equivalent program that is primarily focused on providing IADL support) requirements of selected states to the Department’s. Analyze each of the selected states’ ISS requirements based upon but not limited to: Service package; Program limits; and Consumer co-pays. Make recommendations based on the outcome of the service model analysis, considering: Both the Department’s and the State’s statutory requirements. The relationship between both the selected states and federally funded services and costs. Resident/Consumer interviews of Maine ISS enrollees: Conduct a random sample of resident/Consumer interviews in person or by telephone to gather information on Consumer’s experience of care. Consumers must receive ISS services. Ensure interviews are completed at a minimum for five percent (5%) of the Consumers (approximately seventy-five (75) individuals). Provide a written report of the aggregate results of the Consumer interviews. ISS Sub-Contracted Provider interviews: Conduct interviews with management and at least one (1) staff member of all ISS Providers. Interviews shall request, at a minimum, information on: Service delivery and coordination; Time management (including travel time) and recordkeeping; Staffing levels; Current program financial records; and Strengths and weaknesses of the current model. Develop and conduct a stakeholder feedback process by: Working with the Department to create a stakeholder advisory group of twelve to fifteen (12-15) stakeholders including ISS representatives, home care agencies, Consumer organizations, representatives of relevant State agencies and others. Creating and supplying agendas, materials, and scheduling for a minimum of three (3) advisory group meetings. Meeting frequency, time, and location shall be determined by mutual agreement between the awarded Bidder and the Department. Conducting up to two (2) public listening sessions using virtual technology (e.g., Zoom) to obtain broader public input on ISS needs and ideas. Sessions shall be planned and conducted in consultation with the Department. Analyze ISS programmatic processes and services by: Reviewing current ISS Medical Eligibility Determination (MED) process. Reviewing current ISS service authorization and reimbursement structure, including the Department’s: ISS contract billing. ISS rules and regulations. Analyzing ISS services currently provided. Provide recommendations to the Department for any changes to services provided to ISS Consumers based on national best practices.
