Information for Individuals Served & Families

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• What is happening and why? 
  Network180 will begin to directly provide supports coordination services for Kent County adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities instead of providing these services through contracted agencies. We have determined that directly delivering supports coordination will increase consistency and equity in services for individuals, provide improved system management and agility, and allow our system to more fully meet federal mandates around conflicts of interest.

• There will be no reductions or other changes in services for individuals due to this transition. 
  This change has not been undertaken lightly. It has been decided after months of evaluation, discussion with contracted agencies, and consideration of alternatives. Continuous high-quality care for individuals served is paramount as our system completes this shift. Network180 is committed to working collaboratively with contracted agencies to support a seamless transition experience. Network180 is also sharing information about potential opportunities for current supports coordinators who may be interested in Network180 employment.
  
  
• What will my options be for supports coordination?
  You will have the option of a network180 supports coordinator or an independent supports coordinator provided through Community Living Services, Inc.
  
  
• When will supports coordination transition and how will I know when it is happening? 
  The transition will happen over the spring and summer in 2019. You will receive a letter from network180 during the week of May 20, 2019 providing more details about the transition process. Whenever possible  supports coordinators at contracted agencies will be hired by network180 and continue to work with the individuals that they serve now. Remember the change in supports coordination does not change  anything else that is occurring with your services currently. Your current services like skill building, community living supports (CLS) and CLS Life Skills, will continue with your current provider(s).
  
  
• If my supports coordinator is not hired by network180 what will happen to me?
  You will have the option of a network180 supports coordinator or an independent supports coordinator through Community Living Services, Inc. and you will be able to indicate your preference through a mailed form as the time for your agency’s transition gets closer. If you do not make a selection, your supports coordination services will be transferred to network180.
  
  
• Will my services change when I start to receive supports coordination through network180?  
  No. The Individual Plan of Service (IPOS) will remain the same, as this is the living document that helps to support you throughout the year. If there is a new supports coordinator assigned to you then they will review      this with you to be sure that you are receiving all your current services as authorized in your IPOS and with the same provider of service.

• Will I be able to choose a different supports coordinator? 
  Yes. The recommendation is to wait until after 6 months of working with your new supports coordinator, if you receive a new supports coordinator. The reason that we want you to wait is to assure that there are not too  many changes happening at one time and so you know what your options are.
  
  
• Will there be a lapse in Supports Coordination services until the new Supports Coordinator is assigned?
  No, there will not be a lapse in Supports Coordination services. Services will continue as indicated in the Individualized Plan of Service (IPOS).

• Will there be any informational meetings about this?
  Yes. network180 held informational meetings on Wednesday, May 29th and Thursday, May 30th. Consumers and guardians will be notified when future meetings are planned. Communication will also take place on our website and social media platforms. 
  
  
• Who can I contact if I have questions?
  You can contact Chris Frederick from Network180 Customer Services at (616) 855-5206 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions throughout this process that cannot be answered by  your supports coordinator.

     Communication

• When I call my Supports Coordinator at network180, when can I expect a call back?
  Network180 expects the Supports Coordinators to return phone calls back within 24 hours (one business day).

• When will Supports Coordinators know if they are accepted to transition to network180 or Community Living Services, Inc.?
  As soon as a determination has been made, it will be communicated to individuals.

     Caseloads

• What will the caseloads at network180 look like?
  Caseloads will be an average of 30 individuals per Supports Coordinators. Some Supports Coordinators may have more or less depending on the needs of the individuals.

• What will the caseloads at Community Living Services, Inc. look like?
  Each Supports Coordinator will have the ability to choose how many individuals they support.

     Payee

• Will the payee need to change?
  If your current payee is not able to continue providing this service, your payee will need to transition. Your Supports Coordinator will help you with this transition.

     Difference between network180 and Community Living Services, Inc. 

• Why would a Supports Coordinator choose to work for network180 versus Community Living Services, Inc. or vise versa?
  There are many factors that go into determining where a person chooses to be employed - these decisions are highly person and will be the individual decision of the Supports Coordinator.

• How is Community Living Services different than network180 Supports Coordination?
  Supports Coordination is a Medicaid service, defined in the Michigan Medicaid Manual. The supports coordination service provided by network180 and Community Living Services, Inc. would be the same. The structure regarding the employment status for Supports Coordinators is a little different. Independent Supports Coordinators at Community Living Services are self-employed, receiving oversight from Community Living Services. Network180 Supports Coordinators are employed by network180. Supports Coordinators at network180 and Community Living Services, Inc. are required to undergo the same training.

• Where is Community Living Services, Inc. located?
  Independent Supports Coordinators with Community Living Services, Inc. and network180 Supports Coordinators will meet with you at your desired community location, which may include the Community Living Services office located at 625 Kenmoor Ave SE, Suite 301, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

• Can someone with Independent Supports Coordination through Community Living Services, Inc. get community living supports through Real Life Living Supports?
  Yes.

      Preferences

• Can I select my Supports Coordinator if my current Supports Coordinator doesn’t transition to network180 or Community Living Services, Inc.?
  Yes. Both providers will have a way for you to select available Supports Coordinators.

• Can we give a reference for our current Supports Coordinator?
  Yes, please contact Chris Frederick in customer service or speak with your Supports Coordinator directly.

• Can we change Supports Coordination provider at a later date?
  You always have the ability to request a transfer between ISC and N180 or request a different Supports Coordinator. 

• If my current Supports Coordinator is not hired at either network180 or Community Living Services, Inc. can we stay with current Supports Coordinator? 
  No, you will need to select one of the organizations as well as a new supports coordinator.

• Do we have option of requesting a different, specific supports coordinator?
  Yes, you do.

• If you are given a supports coordination that is not a good fit, how do you make the change?
  You would reach out to the Supports Coordinator, their supervisor or customer services to request a change.

• If my current provider's place in the transition timeline occurs at the end of the process, does this mean I get last choice of support coordinators with availability?
  We will work with you to determine the best choice of supports coordinators based on the availability. Individualized transitions will occur as needed.

Additional FAQs not directly related to the Supports Coordination transition: 

• What is the specific core criteria for low medical versus medium medical care? Whose criteria is it? State, Lakeshore Regional Entity, netwokr180, Supports Coordination provider?
  Network180 trains each supports coordinator on service guidelines that are based on the Michigan Medicaid Provider Manual. The difference between low and medium care would be based on frequency and intensity of the supports the individual needs in comparison with all of the other individuals that have Network180 funding for Community Living Services/Personal Care Medical Supports.

• Will this improve community living supports and help us find a CLS worker?
  There is a statewide shortage of direct care workers. The Supports Coordination transition is unrelated to any other service, including community living supports, which are provided by direct care workers. Supports            Coordinators should be offering you every option we have through network180 for your CLS service and if you haven’t already explored every option, this change may help you to find a CLS worker.

• How will the criteria be determined as to how much community living support, respite, job coaching, and Applied Behavioral Analysis services we receive?
  All of these services are Medicaid services. The Medicaid manual lists each service and the description. Through the person-centered planning process, supports coordinators determine medical necessity for each of these services. We are working with the Lakeshore Regional Entity, Beacon and Communuity Mental Healt agencies in our region to utilize standardized assessments to inform Community Based Service arrays.

• Will network180 and Community Living Services retain services that are written in the Individual Plan of Service (IPOS)?
  Yes, services will continue as written in the IPOS. If an individual’s needs change or new needs are identified, the plan can be amended through the person centered planning process.

• Are living arrangements going to remain the same?
  Living arrangements are not a part of this transition. An individual’s plan of service will continue as written.

• If we are in the process of setting up a community living supports worker, should we continue with current agency?
  Yes, you should continue with the current agency for community living supports. Community living supports is not impacted by this transition.

• Will my job placement be maintained through this transition?
  Your job placement will not be impacted based on the Supports Coordination transition.

• Who oversees network180?
  The State of Michigan oversees the entire public health system. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) manages the public system through contracts with regional entities, referred to as Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs). Kent County’s region is led by Lakeshore Regional Entity (LRE). Network180 is contracted with the LRE to provide oversight within Kent County.

          At network180 we have a Board of Directors at the highest level. Our Executive Director reports to the board of directors and is responsible for the clinical and operational environment. We have lead clinical and                                            administrative/operational staff that report to the Executive Director. Leadership groups guide the day-to-day operations of network180.