Topic

Discussion Points

Recommendations

Action

Member

1.Introductions                       

Janette

2. Question:  For Maximus and SSA

If a client refuses to assign his ticket to us or anyone can we use the old system of reimbursement

Answer:  A client can choose to not assign a ticket, if he was a client prior to getting a ticket  (SEC 5-85B)

Joe Hickman

3. Question:  For Maximus 

What information will be shared about ticket holders?

Answer:  The ticket holder information includes name, address, telephone and does not include disability or social security number.

4. Question:  Maximus 

Will VRAs be able to match their databases to the ticket holder database to accurately identify which VR consumers are ticket holders?

Answer:  No firm answer at this time.

Methods for electronic data transmission and exchange are still being developed.  Right now, SSN is not a piece of information being provided about ticket holders and SSN is needed to do an accurate database match.  SSA has a meeting with general counsel next week to discuss the SSN issue.

Vickie 

Van Der Kar

5. Question:   For Maximus

Will VRAs have access to information identifying ENs to whom VRA consumers have assigned their tickets?

Answer:  No.

Vickie

Van Der Kar

6. Question:  For Maximus 

When Maximus provides EN information to beneficiaries calling the toll-free number, is VRA info automatically included?

Answer:  Yes.

Vickie

Van Der Kar

7. Question:   

For Maximus and SSA

Does an EN have restrictions on sharing information with its EN partners?

Answer:  No, there are no restrictions on sharing information from the electronic bulletin board as long as the EN and partners follow their existing confidentiality policy.  Relating to other beneficiary information obtained from Maximus or SSA, it is best to err on the side of caution and obtain a consent from the beneficiary.

Vickie

Van Der Kar

8. Question: For SSA  

Is it true that Phase 3 may be moved up to January or February 2003?

Answer:  No, the earliest that Phase 3 would roll out is June or July 2003.

Vickie

Van Der Kar

9. Question: For Maximus and SSA

Have the Employment Networks been identified in Michigan, is the Michigan Commission for the Blind listed and will we receive information specifically about how and when to proceed with activities. 

Answer:  The Networks have not been identified in Michigan, yet.  The information should be coming out shortly.

James Buscetta

10. Question: For Maximus and SSA

Will ticket information be available to suitable format for persons with disabilities and persons who do not speak English?

Answer: The Ticket itself will be in English only.  It is being treated like a SS card.  The “notice” which accompanies the ticket will be in English and Spanish.  These procedures are based on SSA current policy on notification and modes of communication.

Maximus has the capacity to provide assistance and information from their telecenter in 24 different languages.  In addition they are using the assistance of interpreters services for any other language they may need.  They have a TTY and will be developing three different ways of notification for persons who are blind. 

June Morse

11. Question: For Maximus

When will the 2^nd year states have someone from Maximus “assigned” to work with them? 

Answer: Early next week the Ticket contact for the State will be called to be given a name of a person at Maximus who can answer questions and be the “go to person” for the State.  This will be someone states can contact when the telecenter cannot provide the information they need or the issue is more detailed. 

June Morse

12. Question: For RSA

We know in reviewing the Ticket regulations the process to be followed by VR and EN’s when collaborating to serve an individual with a disability.  EN agreements, referral process, payment process and dispute resolution are all explained.  Is guidance available in situations when the consumer approaches VR for services on their own, but has already assigned a ticket and developed an IWP with another EN?  Is there any option for reimbursement should the EN in question not agree to develop an agreement with VR?

Answer: Mary Davis of RSA - consumers may apply for VR services, be found eligible and served, according to an Order of Selection Status or not, without the question of ticket assignment bearing on the process.  This matter only comes into play at the point that the plan is being developed.  At that point, if the ticket is assigned and that EN is not interested in forming an EN agreement with VR, then the VR agency must consider the  assigned ticket as a comparable benefit.  VR would then develop the IPE for services that are not duplicates of those in the IWP under effect.  Under the Rehab Act, VR must serve eligible consumers whether reimbursement is available or not.  It is important for VR agencies to be proactive in developing relationships and EN agreements.

Glen Crawford of IL added that in this case, VR would be seen as a vendor, rather than the primary service provider. 

Janette Shell

13. Question: For SSA

Is SSA including VR in the information dissemination?

SSA- VR is on the mailing list

Suzanne Lee

14. Question: For SSA

The most recent mailing to beneficiaries discusses EN’s but it doesn’t mention VR

SSA - Nothing has been mailed out to anyone

as of yet.  What has gone out DOES include VR.

Glen Crawford

15. Question: For Maximus

RE – Maximus website - Why does Maximus not include all VR agencies’ offices in the state?

Maximus did not have information on all VR locations when the site was first developed, they are working on it.

Suzanne Lee

16. Question: For Maximus

What confirmation will VR get from Maximus that the ticket has been assigned to us?

Maximus will enter the form in the data base & a letter will go out to VR.

Scott Forbes

17. Next meeting for Ticket to Work Workgroup

Establish Date & Time of Next Workgroup Meeting

Date Confirmation will be done via e-mail.

Janette Shell