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Home My WebLink About20040498.tiff CORRESPONDENCE RESPONSE ". DEPARTMENT OF ) .) ( -�'tf.l:6 j" Z; n'1 / '3. t * * * PLEASE RESPOND WITHIN THREE DAYS.* * * �. IF RESPONSE WILL BE DELAYED, .. PLEASE NOTIFY "CTB GROUP" BY E-MAIL OF EXPECTED DATE FOR RESPONSE. . RECOMMENDED ACTION: Narrative: A `t i.r- 0 Gum, tO ( / c&aato 0 -du. dalu-4-44""s1/4� It tau 't , 62,121 -, qtu4 METHOD OF RESPONSE: Board Action W Letterork (AttachSessioned) Telephone Call No Response (explain) \--dtAl Depart ent Head Signature V BOARD ACTION: (Initial by Approval) MG RM BJ DL GV Agree with Recommedation Worksession // G� 2004-0498 DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 1551 NORTH 17TH AVENUE PO BOX 1805 GREELEY,CO 80632 www.co.weld.co.us cWEBSITE: (970)356-3975 FAX(970)356-3975 COLORADO February 4, 2004 Patricia Ziegler, Chairperson Weld Advocacy Network on Disabilities Connections for Independent Living 1024 9 Ave Greeley CO 80631 Dear Ms. Ziegler: On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners,Weld County, the Weld County Department of Social Services and the Weld County Division of Human Services are responding to your letter of December 10, 2003, to and received on December 23, 2003,by the Board of County Commissioners concerning Medicaid Transportation. First of all, thank you for sharing your concerns and insights into some of the problems that your constituents are having relating to transportation. Although we must act in compliance with State Regulations, our goal is to offer the best transportation service possible within the funds and services that are available. As you are aware and mention in your letter, significant cost reductions have been made in the Statewide Medicaid Program. Major cost reductions have occurred in almost all public assistance programs and many services and programs have been reduced or eliminated. Counties are obligated to create and manage the best programs possible within available funds. The Medicaid Transportation rules require that the least expensive form of transportation be identified and offered to eligible Medicaid recipients. The Weld County Department of Social Services, Transportation Services of Weld County under the Weld County Division of Human Services, and the City of Greeley Transportation Department,have joined forces in order to provide a transportation program within limited state resources. • City of Greeley. The City of Greeley has in the past and continues to be extremely concerned and proactive with the transportation needs of people with disabilities. The City of Greeley has made every effort to assist individuals with disabilities to become ADA eligible for Para-transit service. The City has accommodated an 11% increase in 1 Para-transit riders since July 2003, when Medicaid funding was cut. The Para-transit services exceeds the requirements for ADA service, and the drivers assist the riders between the van and door of their origin or destination, and provide assistance using the lift and securing the wheelchair. Many Para-transit riders purchase a$50 monthly pass for unlimited rides. In all ways this service compares favorably with any Para-transit service throughout Colorado and the United States. • Weld County. Transportation Services of Weld County offers Mini-Bus transportation for disabled individuals who live outside of the City of Greeley. Weld County's Mini- Bus services transports elderly, disabled, low income, and general public clients with limited advance notification. These services are provided through fixed routes, deviated fixed routes and requests for one-time service. Mini-Bus provides regular vans, for those who can maneuver the two steps into the van, and wheel-chair accessible, lifts or ramps, to the clients needing additional help and services to ride to their appointments and home again. Mini-Bus is a curb-to-curb service with accommodations to certain clients who need to be a door-to-door client. However, Mini-Bus drivers cannot go into an apartment or house to help a client out the door, or into an enclosed area such as an enclosed porch or garage to receive a client. Mini-Bus can go into a lobby or general entry-way for a client if we do not have other clients on board the bus and if the driver can see the van at all times to make sure it is secure. Mini-Bus does suggest an escort/aide assist the client on the trip if the client is unable to continue on his or her own when getting off the Mini- Bus or upon arriving home after the appointment. In reviewing the attached letters to your December 10, 2003, letter,we are familiar with certain case histories of your members. We will be requesting a meeting with each of those individuals who have expressed concerns, problems and issues to resolve their concerns. Our staff will be arranging meetings with them so we may adhere to confidentiality issues as well. Finally, Weld County continues to provide safe and punctual transportation to patrons in Weld County. We are dedicated to the elderly, disabled, low-income, and the general public clients to provide rides to and from medical appointments and other necessary appointments as time allows. Sinccerrel t Wa e . eckman, Executive Director W=i -, County Division of Human Services dy A. 'ego,Dir tor eld County Department of Social Services cc: Patsy Drewer, Transportation Services of Weld County Richard Rowe, Assistance Payments, Weld County Department of Social Services Gary Taylor, City of Greeley Transportation 2 • Dear Weld County Commissioners. We are writing this letter representing the Weld Advocacy Network on Disabilities. Our purpose is to assist individuals with disabilities in advocating Ilia.rights as citizens, taxpayers and contributing members of this community. The members of this organization have recently brought concerns to us regarding the changes in transportation, specifically, the affects of the Medicaid reduction in funds, and the loss of MedVan services in our County. We have attached letters from our members expressing concerns, problems, and desired outcomes that we hope will come about as a result of meeting with you. Issues raised in the enclosed letters range from: missed appointments, late pick-ups, long wait-times and safety issues. Some of the existing vehicles do not appropriately accommodate more than one person who has a large chair along side another. Extension belts for larger chairs were not available as of August, 2003, placing individuals in these chairs at great risk. There are no routes to accommodate persons whose doctor's offices have moved to the western part of the city. Current routes have necessitated that passengers must then navigate several blocks to get to their doctors' office. This can be a serious health and safety matter during winter months. Given advance notice requirements and limited service, if a person wakes up ill, they may or may not be able to access a doctor with the current 'on demand' system.' Some individuals with disabilities already suffer from compromised health. In such instances, even a slight delay in medical care can lead to more serious health problems and greater cost. The lack of`door-to-door service' makes it impossible for the transportation service to work for some individuals with disabilities. How can a person with quadriplegia or severe paralysis open the door at the entrance of the doctor's office, push the button for the elevator, and travel to the office and back knowing the transportation service waiting outside will only remain there for a brief period discounting the obstacles faced by a scheduled passenger. Once dropped off at a medical facility if you have no way of entering the building, current transportation services cannot assist and therefore render the service useless. When using city accessible buses, oftentimes several transfers are required, and passengers must transfer from lift to lift unassisted. This is both arduous for the passenger and a seeming health and safety liability for the city. Due to delays in transportation, people have missed critical medical tests and appointments. When your vehicle arrived late, one passenger was informed that if they weren't outside waiting, the bus would leave without them after waiting 5 minutes. See letter by Tiffany Hazen for specific information. 1 While the increased cost of the service is seemingly small, many individuals with disabilities live on a fixed income. Some on Supplemental Security Income have only $545/month to subsist on. For many individuals in this situation, Para transit is too expensive to use. We are requesting a meeting with a person/persons in a decision-making capacity in an effort to establish a dialogue regarding recent changes, their impact on individuals with disabilities in our community and the numerous problems that are a product of these decisions. We are hopeful that we can work together to reach some meaningful resolution of these issues. We respectfully request that this meeting occur in the immediate future to discuss our concerns as evidenced in the enclosed letters. We are well aware of budget cuts and cost constraints in county, state and federal government, however, the changes that currently exist we believe may lead more costly expense in the long run because the health, safety and welfare of our citizens is being jeopardized. Furthermore, what has now replaced previous transportation services is neither comparable nor appropriate. Many consumers feel that Medvan provided on time arrivals and pick ups, safe, reliable, personal and courteous service with adequate equipment on all vehicles to accommodate the varying needs of persons with disabilities. Whether Medvan is reinstated or not, these critical issues must be addressed and resolved. We look forward to hearing from you regarding this crucial matter. You may contact our chairperson, Patricia Ziegler at Connections for Independent Living, 970-352-8682. S rp /Zho/o3 Patricia Zie er, Chairperson Weld Advocacy Network on Disabilities CC: Walt Speckman, Judy Griego. 2 • September 15, 2003 To Whom It May Concern: This letter is to express grievance and concern regarding the handling of the transportation services provided by Weld County. I have been a client with MedVan since 1999. During that time I ha"e appreciated the professional, courteous and invaluable service MedVan provides. When Weld County began "monitoring"Medvan, there were "subtle" changes in MedVan's ability to provide quali y service to its clients. For example, each client needed to arrange his/her appoint...,nt through Weld County. If the client did not provide at least 48-hours' notice, Weld County Transportation would refuse service and inform/advise the client to call an ambulance/911. While proper notice is important, it makes poor business, medical, fiscal or common sense to have clients call an ambulance for routine appointments. This lack of customer service by Weld County Transportation would progress to alarming levels once MedVan was forced to discontinue operation in Weld County. When Weld County began to provide transportation for my medical appointments in August 2003, the driver would arrive and "honk"the horn. The ramp that leads out of my house connh ets to a door that is inside the garage. The ramp is quite steep, and I am unable to navig,, e the ramp (SAFELY!) by myself. This was explained several times to the drivers who came to pick me up. There are stairs both in front of the house and in back of the house that do not have ramps. The stairs in front and in back of the house lead to the lawn. Therefore, it is not possible or practical to place a ramp in these locations. On August 27, 2003 I had a 9:00 AM doctor's appointment that I had scheduled with Weld County Transportation. At approximately 8:35 AM I called the office to inquire if someone was on the way. I was told that they were running "really behind"and the driver would not arrive to pick me up until 9:30 AM. (A half-an-hour AFTER the scheduled appointment time. It also takes approximately 30 minutes to drive into Greeley from my house). (If they were aware of the fact that they were behind and not able to arrive on time, I am curious why no one bothered to call before my inquiry?) On September 3, 2003 I had an important, two-part test at the hospital. I arrived on time for the test, but due to complications with the test at the hospital, I needed to re- schedule the test. I had re-scheduled for the following Monday (September 8, 2003). I called Transportation to make arrangements and was flat-out told that they could not take me. I re-scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, 2003. I also scheduled the second part of the test for the following day at that time. Without the second part of the test,the entire test is obsolete and I would need to start all over again. Needless to say this would result in c ,stly and dangerous delays in diagnosis and treatment. On Septembe- 10, 2003 the van arrived to take me to my appointment. I received a call from Transportation when the' arrived to tell me to meet them outs:de. I explained (again) that I w a unable to go do. ., the ramp without assistance. Therc was no one around at the time ,.) help me. I oil. .ed to meet the driver at the ramp. The Transportation staff member .,.)1d me that the driver: are forbidden to come to the door, to enter a client's residence (including the garage;, to take a client over any stairs or any boards (including ramps). f was Ihen bold that if I was unable to meet the driver outside at that moment, 1 would need to re- schedule. I stated that I was not able to re-schedule, as this was an important test and a critical part of the test. I spoke to the Transportation Supervisor who inlbrmed me that it was the client's responsibility to meet the driver outside. (At this point the driver who had been waiting outside drove away). After inlense negotiations, the driver agreed to come back after I was able to find someone to take me down the ramp and take me to the hosp, al to complete the test. Upon returning from the hospital, the driver radioed the Trani portation office and informed the office staff member that we were approximately a mint, e away from my house. The office staff member called my house and received no ansv, :r. Upon driving up the driveway, the office staff member informed the driver that then. was no response at the house. The office staff member then instructed the driver to lean me outside by the garage or by the stairs in front of the house. While I can understand and apdreciate Weld County's "concern" for "safety"and liability, it would appear that instructing drivers to leave clients (in wheelchairs) outside (particularly if the weather is bad) for ,codetermined lengths of time, or forcing clients to navigate ramps, etc without necessary assistance presents far greater liability. If Weld County is going to insist on taking on lire responsibility of transporting clients with special needs, they need to be more ut; ierstanding and accommodating of these needs. If Weld County is unable or unwilling to accommodate the needs of its clients, it is strongly in the interest of all parties involved to efer the situation to someone who is willing and able. I would strongly urge the reinstatement of the MedVan transportation service. Thank yr 1 for your attention in this matter. If you have aoy questions regarding this letter, please eel free to contact me. Thank you. Sincerely, IJJ d,11:; 'Halrty,.. T11 fad Hazen 2041 b WCR 76 Eatoi , CO 80615 (970) 454-1242 UV- / ¶Y-- O --d--‘4,-.- ICJ--c4 Lt./"_sue- y -2- -IN-CC,z�-,- Q _ ��`� - Gam✓ (/ Y6 V Ui.Q :77 T . 2O ---'3-- V' C , _C �kt_6, ✓L-C I .....-(ti4 -c-cwc... - (4, ` id 12 ci-7`---7/7-_-i-/-&--_______ it/ 10_,e--/----Le----,--1 c 4c «-7" c.4_,-L.7 6,--72 v -• ,_-C_____t__)L -->G'-Ali'_ c_,,:;--i-Y( t-o____. / ✓' ....7,2:-c-c :-. 47-- -_,:.___- /1 -7,-�c-rti -' _-e-k-ti. i--,.,-_ --- ` 'mot- ' j iG�/- -'9--t-t t--- f ,---Z1;112271-�C/�---.C%kt./°c -v1c_. &_*c___ L2 4'-7-` 1/21c , =L-73-- •--7117 -r��7 c(iy�� ci,- 64..!,,A ,2y 11,7 C-/(a--G--i �Z-1:..A/ %t--r7f C-L.-..->k --c-_-„--1_,,,,&, i L1/G --7.1, li Ci`SVV �" --/4".---e*.,_ ---/)- -4-S--- /! L7 7 ' /' }-- G"�/``-�`'_ C7 <-v ''-s 4 --2-1/1 -IQ V c-` 1 � y Lam— LJ�--it �/�_,,Ly /...„, ._ .. ( -Co-)f---. ii . ..-)c----y,d- _6(2_,7\-- _..2--,--ctc T h e Arc of Weld September 22, 2C')3 ��'.ounty . dvocatlng.for people with zvelopmeneal disabilitieso Whom It May Concern: >r over 40 years 10 II*Avenue ne do4 y name is Larry McDermott, I am the Advocacy Coordinator from the Arc of •E.-reeley.co 80631 eld County. I represent people with developmental disabilities of which some 4/353-5219 also have physical disabilities as well. [ am writing on l ehalf of the individuals 5 3/353-5219 tax who are concerned with the Med Van issue and more precisely the current transportation crisis for people with disabilities. It is the intent of this letter to support any initiative that will give more access to people with disabilities relative to their transportation needs. I would therefore support any process that would support looking at ways o assist people with disabilities and their transportation needs as opposed to the currently proposed plans of cutting transportation services or reducing them to the extent that they are lacking and not meeting the very important health and safety needs of the individual. In closing I would support any forum or process that would address the aforementioned concerns e.g. community forum; meeting between the disabled and the governing board etc. If I could be of further assistance with regards to this issue you can contact me at 353-5219 or at arcweldnow(e)im1o.com. Thankyou for your attention in this matter. Respectfully, Larry W McD rmott /t Advoca e Coordinator/Arc of Weld County b 1 ,�i� t 16tiy{, Curl/' r_ l�l �fvn Cv ,'Uct Gc.c.(d c z ' Ceikc Lcrr-42 i -n ✓Lcn u , ) Jo -lly_ /)1Cc(Uk,.., -I l'c.,i....cuilcc!Su/,. c?"---t Lei• Co, e((Lil l G. 111 ""1(!.!:(- - 'r<,,t 5/9c,le, ff,--, C. 1,c<il‘,-1 . C l tit Id C.06'tvriy Le-rrLJ `ii,-(- .. a_4(4'..shit Cc y c Cc<nn. 3- La- ..1Lt-C ate(--I p-o-i-t&• f GAS 'f.) ` Ce e,e� am cG �% �{�j, � C L/ J __..-%`.ZCc ..... _, I( c am, .1J. Cc<rlho 7 WGc�-rte Cdcc,e/4-r Gds:( ,2 w\ oible "ii, Wr .c,F K Crept-°x_ ---lha± .&v xc7 -- oce,. L.. /L*=/ - K o, vyt . - The lv(2vi.� i((ec✓c - OVA / - c1-4.,/, 46,--.) t_ sc,ic-6.3, _l.,y h_?I.c).9..c.f _p ,_�i<<u-si! a To whom it may concern A couple months ago I called into the dispatch to get a ride fror Med van. The dispatch Tony I think it is told me Med van was no more. I asked how ai -we supposed to get a ride to our doctors appointments. She told me that we now had to take either the city bus fixed route or the paratransit. The fixed route may get you there but I'd have to go through a whole mess to get there. First find out what buses you have to take to get am where near the doctors office. Then find out what time you have to be at the bus stop go wait out in the weather for the bus. I'd have to transfer buses twice to get to where I was doing and the bus drivers won't help you at all. Try to wheel myself on and off the gimps with very little strength. Did I mention how hard it would be for me to wheel myself out to the bus stop. Instead of someone coming to the door and helping me out to the bus I'd have to try to wheel myself to the bus stop(yeah right)! Then from what I've heard the bus drivers drive a little crazy. Hitting their brakes a little to hard and everything. Then once I get to the doctors office I'd have to start all over again going back home again. The Paratransit, first you have to be a member. Thank god I was before they cut Med van off so abruptly. Then you know they say on their form that you can request them up to 24 hours in advance. I've been told when I called in before that they need 48 hours notice or more. When they get to my house they won't come he door like Med van. They won't help me out of my house and out to the bus. Some ci vers won't even help me onto the lift. Once into the bus they want 2 dollars,that rea113 aurts my already fixed income wallet, when Med van was paid for. When we get to the doctor they won't help me onto the lift or to the door. And if my doctor was on the 2"d f oor yeah right good luck getting any help there. Now lets get to when I'm done with the doctor. I personally have had to wait forty minutes before, when they call.!d for the bus to come pick me ul I've heard of it taking an hour for some. Now come on we're paying for this, 2 dollars ride at that. Now again with the no help from the bus drivers to the bus or on the ramp. Then when I get home no help to the door or in the ho•ise. In closing how come they could cut Med van ( Ifon such short notice. They told me on the phone then I got the letter a week later. It's :.posed to go the other way around isn't it. It's getting to the point where I dread going to i he doctor because of the bus it's not supposed to be that way is it? I'm leaving my name so please don't give me any repercussions from this. Signed JT Sayotovich 96/12/1995 21:5© 970-330-510"s EM4-GREELEV WILLOWS PAGE 01 dy :1 D3 aQ,,5O J'- _soft'a.�-... 41-du:thy ,Co. i 6411 .0,3,07 � .4-4-tAt .,. .-.. OO -coat-etc-A- 731 -t ms /. Set c ---440c,444".-2.: QJ ro -4-.2-[as � ,t.L.G. es'Z , —��,.i...c.,4_ 4 Yc_eje R.. .t�r..:,�,� . , —'M fF,n:5 .o C9S^ , Z4 000/ --t-r-we.r M^ O X . ,y y� p �/n -K��— rArrpe' 'max.a-n A— . rrar-•L--- n- �,,�_ril^�. 'b C'�pd"-�;/ •- ;7 /'..C' r 2 ern" may' -*'�.-w-'"✓Y'Near.13- _.1O lr"v"z-w-d ^+d cv •awe ^ . 3eltd SI+iO��YL'4 /313381D-`J41ft -t' C©Ic-(0c£-W6 09:T�� $66T: 7..`SC FRON HULNES FURNITURE SERVICE PHONE ND. : 970+587+2889 Sep. 23 2003 09:18Ahi F01 WILLIAM J AND EDITH L HOLMES SEPTEMBER 22, 2003 801 ELM ST. MILLIKEN CO. 80543 970-587-2889 TO WHOM IT MAY COW ERN: I,BILL :OLMES,GARYS 'ATHER AND EDITH HOLMES MY WIFE WANT TO ADDRESS THE TRANSPORTATION ISSI OF GARY HCLMES WITH MED VAN. GARY ].S RETARDED A. ]IS A DIARET C RECEIVING 4 SHOTS A DAY OF INSULIN AND 4 BLOOD TESTS DAILY HE HAS TO BE MONITORED AT ALL TINES OR DOES AND HAS REACTIONS FROM LOW SUGARS. ALL OF THE ABOVE PLUS BEING ON L:n1.YS1S 3 DAYS A WEEK .HE CAN'T TRANSPORT HIMSELF OR BE RESPONSIBLE TO TAKE A BUS. HE CAN'T MAKE SOUND DECISIONS FOR HIMSELF. GARY IS 47YRS OLD. MY WIFE ALSO HAS DIABETES. SHE HAS HAD DIABETES FOR 54YRS AND IS BLIND.I ALSO HAVE MANY HEALTH PtOBLEMS MYSEL. . I HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF GARYS NEEDS AND MY WIPES NEEDS AS WELL I.S MYSELF. I ADD.INISTI:R ALL TESTS AND SA()TS.MY WIFE AND 1 ARE 69YRS OLD AND FIND IT VI .;Y DIFFICULT TO DO IT ALL PLUS HAVING:T'ODRIVR GARY INTO DIALYSIS. WE ARE ON A FIXEI INCOME:THIS MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO TRANSPORT GARY. WE A. E DOING OUR BEST TO KEEP GARY WITH US.. IF AR)!CONDITIONS CHANGE HERE WE MAY HAVE TO SEEK OTHER OPTIONS FOR GARY. WE DON'T WANT THIS TO TAKE PLACE. 1 CAN'T.AFPORD'TOTRANSPORT GARY FINANCIALLY OR HEALTH WISE. THIS VERY TAXING ON ME Ms. Shirley Peterson 44.• 17072ND St Apt 117 Greeley,CO 80631-1900 Pat t a 24 S 4.0ax:62.D•r71-Oas /AP) 1 - �. o c' a --tp kol0 ketioeLoyzeovni t4A4*a: ritc a.° end Lc Cit Imo Q-cre''z' . � — ezAtirly-X�,u.�N �o�' �Aki � ainct) aye, ako ah_4O _ifrotcai 8-e±-01 -11n) titat- eizrunstry0 t tv k aAD c a: ; I' GAIL Pakemuhi-L),4) e-i-Yzerri diraU slit due e./R- am • - Ms. Shirley Peterson ati 1701 2ND St Apt 117 {, n ��,p� 2. Greeley,CO 80631-1900-O AlQ CAA�--/A/, ICJ • nA dtdAly) X1___.7 4 1L Ica, °OS n ki4A-S (Ow, uthfrett . env() toetth @h ,�„47fl� �` men°' " VralL 41W 4t4t & Z4 -t ,GMs eon 7/Le/Hp }ad? 2 0 _e/itm_t447,deculHeihr .a 415--c a iztiebritiveAuel A eAeLobilit •' t t .D Attie mu.a " ` $aAZK!6dGevi 434-6-1 1/40 tuji>1) 14a44)--iii dr-47 , 1 171 J z XO 41L4 ;i2lAir o j`n'" D- 4* °-z° °(94, s_d-A5e.te wun,. . a I 1A-O Qxl, t-a o zo \11) 0_ Pic rrvii N9 Ms. Shirley Peterson 1701 2ND St Apt 117 9 Greeley, CO 80631-1900 Pr a ItSSO Q - � ^Q.Q lK �J AS;Yt �J (/�ieu,Q J//Yt S ��4!♦��cc+u o4c a)L(((/l�J1 t n m i, 545 m Uuri i ,nzy'Doad uLOW..�� .nn 9 JJ 9��fig COC•5O" I.t?V✓ 0 a'i )41604.“) - -a Le1'r . _that Aeide . to-tut)/tufa)lout -t144.71 s_Aateiltha 4641) 04.24),„ ..ej ,ifrptflt mith, 11/24-243 H , yuwe}) e.alitA ga. micernop anur2co-t) -e-S-kiptiectet-D.datifte--0-7; oisiti-afruP W padre 9 8 optpttio /oa,4 ; .oTh , _. ,. Ms. Shirley Peterson 1701 2ND St Apt 117 .1741 0�� Greeley, CO 80631-1900 ( ..(1)/afp W1.2e&lia Adeko-lAtall 07' -Luta-MA:O ,y6q) - 3 LID W-e-ak-09. _ , ._U 0 GF Q) tahty, axtu `r;Jd ax/C }tn ) OG - 4. 2-deal-nag)7 :Cap a/ne t2abezdioreLie a. 4 'L9 . /Oa a / �j jo-il4A-eile4Cde) Hello