TAKE ACTION: Appendix K Is In Jeopardy!
We urgently need your help! Appendix K, which allows flexible options in how DDA benefits are provided and billed for during the pandemic, has been lifesaving for Itineris and other agencies providing disability services. But last week, we learned that state leadership might decide to end some or all of Appendix K sooner than approved by the federal government- as early as August 15, 2021. This would be devastating for Itineris and its clients, as there is NO WAY Itineris could resume services to pre-pandemic levels with this limited notice.
Please click below to read Ami Taubenfeld’s letter to Governor Larry Hogan detailing how this would be devastating to Itineris and our clients, and most importantly, how YOU can take action to make sure Appendix K is not ended prematurely.
How to Take Action
Take all three actions listed below. Time is of the essence, so please take time to do so as soon as possible!
1) Write to Governor Larry Hogan
Use this link to write to the Governor through his website, and choose the Developmental Disabilities Administration as the message topic in the drop down box.
Ask Governor Hogan to continue Appendix K for DDA waiver services until 6 months after the federal Public Health Emergency, as approved in the State’s request.
Explain how the loss of Appendix K flexibilities will affect you as a person with a disability/family member/provider. Consider including some of the following information:
Providers:
• Are you currently experiencing staff shortages that would make it difficult/impossible to continue to provide services to the people you are currently supporting if Appendix K flexibilities are removed ahead of what was planned? Can you give an example(s)?
• In what ways would the billing flexibilities permitted under Appendix K impact your ability to continue to support people if those flexibilities were lifted early?
• What obstacles or barriers are you experiencing in re-integration?
• What is the status of the direct support professionals’ (DSPs) workforce capacity?
• Do you have immediate capacity or financial challenges that are creating barriers to service delivery?
People with Disabilities and Families:
o Are family members providing paid support as a caregiver? Why is it important they be allowed to continue providing support right now?
o Do you have concerns about direct support staff coming to your home? Does this affect your comfort being out and about, and (if so) in what ways?
o What flexibilities in Appendix K have, and continue to be, life savers for you?
2) Write to MD Department of Health Secretary Dennis Schrader
Email Secretary Schrader at Dennis.Schrader@maryland.gov, also urging him to support the continuation of Appendix K until 6 months after the end of the federal public health emergency. Explain how the loss of Appendix K flexibilities will affect you as a person with a disability / family member / provider.
3) Share this alert broadly through email and social media.
When you post on social media, please tag Governor Hogan and Secretary Schrader in your posts if possible, and use the following hashtags:
#KeepYourPromise #AppendixKisKey #PeoplewithDDMatter #ReopenWithCare