ALAA UPDATE: October 2008

Greetings to all Assisted Living Providers and industry friends.  We would like to provide an update since the last meeting that was held September 23rd.  For those who attended we want to extend a huge thank you for all the donations towards the lobbyist-we are almost halfway there now at close to $10, 000! We also want to thank those who have submitted their membership applications and dues. For those who attended and did not contribute or renew your membership we encourage you to do so as soon as possible. 

For anyone who did not get the opportunity to attend the meeting we will recap briefly what was covered and why we are trying feverishly to meet our fundraising goal to retain the lobbyist Kevin Jardell on our behalf. Please note Mr. Jardell’s resume is included for your review.

The biggest area of discussion was regarding the need for a lobbyist. While many feel the state is “fixing” the Medicaid reimbursement problem we want to point out that they are reconfiguring a cost based methodology in regulation, which does not guarantee they cannot “freeze” rates again. We are just one type of provider in the Medicaid arena. There are multiple others who have had reimbursement issues as well. We want to join them in their efforts to get legislation that would change the “statutes” regarding rebasing costs for all Medicaid providers into LAW. The nursing homes and hospitals already did this previously so there is precedence. So right now is the time to ACT so if you have not donated to this cause please consider doing so. This change would positively benefit ALL providers! You may send donations to the ALAA address: PO BOX 243945 Anchorage, AK 99524. We are not requesting a minimum donation; any and all will be accepted!

Somewhat related to this was discussion regarding the Myers and Stauffer Survey that was due September 30. We have approached them and asked permission to submit our own survey results since their survey was so difficult and did not really project accurate costs. Our version of the survey was sent to those who attended and gave their e-mail address. It will also be available via the website so you can print it and complete but due to the time sensitivity all surveys should be completed and submitted either via e-mail to the ALAA e-mail address, sent to the ALAA PO BOX, or you may contact any member of the board for instructions if you need to fax it in IMMEDIATELY!  See website for contact information.

The Medicaid regulations have also been rewritten and are out for public review and comment. ALAA will review and participate in the public comment. Please plan to attend future meetings and/or contact a Board member if you have questions or comments you would like considered.

We also discussed the policy changes that are being reviewed regarding ‘Critical Incident Reporting” which could affect all providers.

Amy Oney (Lafroth), President of ALAA gave a presentation regarding her work on a project aimed at setting standards for assisted living.

Additionally we asked those present to complete a brief survey to provide feedback regarding how ALAA can better serve you. Thank you to those who participated. By majority it was clear that Tuesdays from 1pm-3pm monthly was the favored time-frame for the membership meetings. So our next meeting is October 14 from 1:30-3:30PM at the BP Energy Center. Please mark your calendars to attend and notify any other providers who may not have been to the last meeting!

Thank you,
Theresa Panchot-Brisky, Vice President