Informational Links
Independent Providers Will Vote on First Contract with State of Ohio
Contract negotiations with the State have officially concluded, and very shortly Independent Providers will have the ability to vote on their first contract. As a result, all regional meetings around the state have been canceled as we make preparations for the ratification vote. All Independent Providers will receive a packet in the mail with voting times, locations, and the membership application packet. In order to vote, you must be a member in good standing of SEIU 1199. The contract comprehensively addresses many of the issues Independent Providers have dealt with over the years--lack of affordable health coverage, wages that did not keep up with rising costs, and little say over issues that affect their profession. Together with SEIU 1199, Independent Providers have made great strides, yet there still is much work to do. As a Union we must continue the work we have started reaching out to Independent Providers, our communities, and policymakers. We will continue to advocate for the improvements that will better the lives of Independent Provider and consumer alike.
If you have any questions, please contact 1-800-227-1199, leave a voice mail, and an organizer will contact you.
IPs Win 3 Percent Raise
ODJFS announced on June 3 that, effective July 1, all ODJFS-administered waiver providers would receive a 3% increase to their reimbursement rates. This is the first raise that most IPs have seen since the program's inception over 10 years ago, and a huge first step towards things to come. This is a perfect example of why IPs voted overwhelmingly to join with SEIU District 1199 at the end of September. Before coming together and forming their Union, IPs were isolated and had little voice in decisions that affected their profession.
Since joining together with SEIU, and the start of Contract Negotiations, many positive changes have already been achieved, topped off by this long-overdue rate increase. The new rates are as follows: Waiver Nursing @ $56.65/first hour and $5.87/15 minute units; and Personal Care Aide @ $24.72/first hour and $3.09/15 minute units. Procedure codes will stay the same. Please notify your billing agent the new rates for services rendered on/after July 1, 2008 to insure proper reimbursement.
But this is by no means the end of the line. Contract Negotiations are continuing where IPs are negotiating for further improvements, such as Health Insurance, easier access to trainings, voluntary tax withholding, and a rate increase for non-ODJFS providers.
April 2008 Home Care Newsletter
Independent Provider Interviewed on NBC Nightly News!
Independent Provider Russ Kamin was featured in a Feb. 20 NBC Nightly News story about the presidential primary race coming to Ohio. Check out the story while it's still online by clicking here.
Membership Meeting Schedule
On Feb. 1 we submitted contract proposals developed from member input in meetings and surveys held across the State of Ohio. As we move forward in negotiating for Independent Providers, we will need to continue to work together to ensure the best possible first contract. Click here for the schedule of meetings across the state. Come and talk to your Negotiating Committee Member and get updated on the contract process. All Members are encouraged to come and attend. Any Member may attend any meeting she or he wishes, but you must be a Member to attend.
Obama Knows Home Care
One of the many reasons SEIU decided to endorse Sen. Barack Obama for president of the United States is his first-hand understanding of the needs of home care providers. See Obama roll up his sleeves and propose real solutions as part of his participation in SEIU's "Walk a Day in My Shoes" program.
Bargaining Began February 1st!
Last year was a historic year for Independent Providers in Ohio. On July 17, 2007, Independent Providers got the right to form a union by Governor Strickland’s Executive Order, and later that fall voted overwhelmingly to join together and make improvements with SEIU.
Now in 2008, one New Year’s Resolution that Independent Providers are keeping is to continue to make improvements in Ohio’s Home- and Community-Based Services. As we move forward into 2008, we have an opportunity to create improvements in the lives of our consumers and ourselves. Across the state, Providers took part in meetings, sent back surveys, and together elected your Negotiating Committee. Let’s recognize the many Providers who took time out to attend these meetings and to give their feedback, input, and participation.
On February 1, 2008, we began negotiations, which will continue every Wednesday until the contract is completed. A Membership Meeting Schedule can be found by clicking here, or just above in the "News" section of this website.
SEIU District 1199 Hosts IP Conference
Independent Providers from around Ohio gathered in Columbus as SEIU District 1199 sponsored the first statewide meeting of Independent Providers. Titled "Celebrate Our Victory, Fight For Our Future," the conference brought together nearly 100 IPs to discuss areas of importance to the future of Independent Providers in Ohio.
During the two-day conference, representatives from the Developmentally Disabled Council and the Ohio Paths Project networked with Independent Providers about important issues providers and consumers face. The night was capped off with Ohio Representative Dan Stewart speaking about the importance of political action.
Click here to watch the Welcome video made for nearly 7,000 Ohio Home Care workers who joined SEIU 1199 in 2007 and played during the IP Conference.
SEIU Bill Introduced to Ensure Fair Pay for Home Care Workers
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Wednesday introduced the Fair Home Health Care Act of 2007 "to honor the extraordinary value of the work that home health care workers do" and ensure fair pay. This SEIU-proposed legislation is a response to the June Supreme Court decision that maintained home care workers are not entitled to minimum wage and overtime protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act. » Read more.
Ohio Home Care Workers Vote Overwhelmingly to Unite in SEIU
7,000 home care workers voted by over a 5-to-1 margin in Ohio's largest-ever union election to unite with SEIU District 1199 WKO. The workers will now be able to negotiate for better wages and benefits, more training opportunities, and expanded funding for home and community based care, which will help ensure people with disabilities and seniors get the care they need to live independently in their own homes and workers get improved pay and benefits to support their families.
Home Care Worker Testifies America is Unprepared to Meet Long Term Care Needs
Washington, DC -- SEIU Healthcare member Glenda Faatoafe, a home care worker in Washington State, testified today before the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, urging Senator Kennedy and other committee members to pass the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act to protect seniors and people with disabilities. » Read more
The Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Rule Changes
Click here for the rest of the Home Care News blog
Home Care - What We're About
Independent Providers play an essential role in delivering services to people eligible for Ohio's Home and Community Based (HCBS) Waivers. Without Independent Providers, many people may be forced to live in a nursing home, institutional care facility for the Mentally Retarded (ICF-MR) or receive care from an agency that offers little choice.
By joining together with SEIU District 1199, Independent Providers can pioneer models for care delivery. IPs and consumers win as standards for training and screening are raised, wages and benefits improve, and consumers have more choice in the care they receive.