What Is Self-Determination (SD)?
Self-determination is a method by which people with developmental disabilities will be given the opportunity to achieve additional control and direction over the services that support them in community living. A person who elects to participate in the Self-Determination program should have a clear concept of his or her life goals, and have a freely chosen circle of support consisting of family, friends and others who will help him or her determine a support plan and budget based on needs and choices that are available and meet the criterion set forth in the person’s Individualized Service Plan (ISP). While SD can be achieved in many ways, one important way is through a new option offered by OPWDD. These are the Consolidated Supports and Services and New Portal Supports and Services.
Consolidated Supports and Services
Consolidated Supports and Services (CSS) enable an individual to design and direct their own services in accordance with a person centered plan and the principles of Self-Determination. CSS provides the mechanism for an individual to “purchase” the needed services and supports to live a fulfilling and safe life in the community. The individual, along with their support system (called a circle of support) have the responsibility and authority to manage a personalized budget with the assistance of a Fiscal Management Services.
New Portal Supports and Services
New Portal is a new approach in the way OPWDD receives and responds to a life plan that an individual has developed. In contrast to CSS, New Portal is more responsive to a reasonable life plan in a simple and quicker manner. The ISP lists the services to be delivered in New Portal and is the authorization for billing, so no separate plan is needed.
How can Trinity Assistance Help
Trinity as your Fiscal Management Service
Each person participating in Self-Determination must choose a Fiscal Management Service (FMS) Provider in the form of a voluntary agency to help administer his or her annual budget. The primary role of the FMS is to pay for the supports and services identified in a person’s approved CSS plan and budget. After the CSS/New Portal participant interviews and identifies the individuals he or she wishes to hire, it is the responsibility of the FMS to facilitate background checks and fingerprinting; implement health insurance if appropriate; and provide training based on identified needs of the CSS Participant. The FMS also assists the individual with hiring and, if necessary, terminating staff. Trinity Assistance's Fiscal Management Services work to ensure the successful implementation of your CSS plan.
Trinity as your Start-Up Broker
A Start-up Broker is a person specifically trained to help individuals and/or families interested in CSS through the application and approval process. The Start-up Broker helps the individual develop:
- A clear concept of his/her life goals
- A functional Circle of Support
- An approvable CSS plan based on a Person Centered planning process
- An individualized budget that corresponds with the supports and services identified in the CSS plan.
Trinity as your Support Broker
The primary function of the Support Broker is to assure that the CSS plan is reviewed every 6 months and updated at least yearly so that it remains current and eligible for Medicaid funding.
Checklist for Responsible Parties in your CSS Plan:
COS CHECKLIST.pdf
CSS10- ANNUAL AND SEMIANNUAL REVIEW RECORD.pdf
DDSO LIAISON CHECKLIST.pdf
FMS CHECKLIST.pdf
MSC CHECKLIST.pdf
PARTICIPANT CHECKLIST.pdf
SUB_CHECKLIST.pdf
SUPPORT BROKER CHECKLIST.pdf
Contact Trinity today for more information at 585-861-6817 ext. 10
or via email: johndenaro@trinityassistance.org