2024 Financial Management Services End of Year Memo
This memo will answer some frequently asked end-of-year questions as well as tell you what you can expect from Palco as we close out 2024.
How Prioritizing Consumer Empowerment Can Redefine an Industry
Entering Colorado’s consumer-directed care market in 2019 was both a challenge and an opportunity for Palco. At that time, the market was dominated by an incumbent vendor with over a decade of experience, deep knowledge of the local regulations, and strong relationships with stakeholders. We started with zero clients and faced significant competition in establishing…
2024 Annual Survey
Survey Specifics The survey was administered in July of 2024 and sent to program stakeholders across Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, and West Virginia. The survey was open for response from 7/1/2024-7/31/2024. This survey is administered annually and stands alone from our ongoing feedback survey that collects satisfaction with individual day-to-day interactions…
Palco Newsletter – Q3 2024
Click here to read Palco’s Quarter Three Newsletter for 2024.
Exciting News: West Virginia Palco’s Connect EVV solution is here!
Calling all West Virginia employers and workers, we are making the switch to Palco’s EVV app! We’re thrilled to announce that Palco is launching training sessions to help you get up to speed with our new Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) tools via Palco Connect. Starting November 4th and continuing into January, we will be transitioning…
Managing Crisis
At Palco, supporting our clients in their self-direction responsibilities can be stressful for them. In self-direction, the person receiving the services has a choice and control over the services and support. With this responsibility comes decisions and pressure at times. People seeking care can sometimes develop anxiety or feel like they are in a crisis….
Exciting News: Michigan EVV Training Sessions Are Here!
Calling all Summit Pointe members and providers, Join us for training! We’re thrilled to announce that Palco is launching training sessions to help you get up to speed with our new Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) tools via Palco Connect. As of September 1st 2024, all in-home care providers for Summit Pointe must use EVV to…
Home and Community Based Services for Native Americans
Across the United States, Native American communities face unique challenges when it comes to accessing healthcare and social services. Fortunately, there are programs designed to address these needs and empower individuals with disabilities and elders to live fulfilling lives within their own communities. These programs are known as Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). Native…
Palco Newsletter – Q2 2024
Click here to read Palco’s Quarter Two Newsletter for 2024.
Everything You Need to Know About Disability Pride Month
There is an awareness month, week, or day for just about everything. Picking a specific time frame to start conversations around an illness, group, or cause is a great way to raise awareness for that cause. One awareness month we are excited to tell you about is Disability Pride Month. The History of Disability Pride…
Opinion: If you are not promoting self-direction, you are actively contributing to the direct care workforce crisis
Imagine you’re at a restaurant, hungry and ready for a great meal. Your server asks you what you’d like to eat without ever handing you a menu. When you ask, she tells you about the hamburgers and chicken dishes they have to offer, but she decides to omit telling you about their spaghetti because she…
Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, and the Differences Between Them
What is a Service Dog? Service dogs, also known as service animals, are dogs that receive specialized training to a perform a task directly related to a person’s disability. They are recognized by – and protected under – the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In some instances, miniature horses can also be service animals. However,…
How to Translate a Website
Web browsers provide a variety of resources and tools that can be used to translate a site that you are using to make it accessible to non-English speakers. This article will provide instructions for accessing translation tools in various web browsers. These resources can be used to translate Palco webpages (such as Connect) to your…
Palco Newsletter – Q1 2024
Click here to read Palco’s Quarter One Newsletter for 2024.
Streamlining Self-Direction Onboarding: A Quick and Compliant Process in Minutes
In today’s fast-paced world, efficiency is key, especially when it comes to onboarding Self-direction and enabling individuals with disabilities and those aging in place to live independent lives. Whether you’re a brand-new program participant, a seasoned surrogate employer hiring a new worker, or beginning your rewarding career as a caregiver, ensuring a smooth and compliant…
Improving Accessibility by Using Plain Language
We can build elevators and put in ramps for those with low mobility. Sign Language interpreters and closed captions can help those who are Deaf. People with vision deficiencies can benefit from large print, Braille, or audiobooks. But how do we make concepts, instructions, and other writings more accessible? One way is following the guidelines…
Self-Direction in the Hispanic Community
The overall goal for self-direction in general is to give the elderly and individuals with disabilities their independence, thus creating a naturally inclusive model that strives to serve all populations. While this is true, there are still various populations that go underserved, and that includes the Hispanic population. Below, we discuss the challenges this population…
Elevate Caregiving- March 2024
February 16th is National Caregiver Day, and March 3rd is Caregiver Appreciation Day. In honor of the caregivers who keep our programs going, Palco will be celebrating caregiving during the entire month of March! Caregiver Testimonials We want to hear about your best and brightest caregivers, the ones who are always there in the clutch,…
Palco Program Spotlight- Chanda Center for Health Remote Services Program
Palco kicked off 2024 with a new and exciting partnership with the Chanda Center for Health! The Chanda Center for Health’s mission is to deliver, advocate & educate for integrative therapy and other complementary services to reduce health disparities and costs by improving health equity and outcomes for individuals with physical disabilities through the support…
Enrollment Made Easy
Palco is proud to unveil an updated version of our Intake Enrollment portal! New Enhancements Include: This revolutionary approach to further digitizing the self-directed enrollment willprovide end users with a faster and simpler experience. By eliminating waste anddelays often experienced by printing forms, gathering multiple signatures, andsending in documents manually, Palco has made a historically…
Palco selected as financial management services vendor for state of West Virginia supporting people using self-directed care.
Financial management services company expands to 11 states,will serve West Virginia’s Department of Human Services, Personal Options Program. Palco, a financial management services company focused on empowering independence for long-term care Medicaid service recipients receiving support services at home or in community-based settings is expanding its service area to an 11th state: West Virginia. The company…
Don’t Settle for Subpar
Changing your Financial Management Service (FMS) provider in self-direction can feel like a daunting task, but it does not have to be with a qualified vendor. Partnering with a vendor who is seasoned in FMS work and has successfully transitioned many large programs can make a world of difference. Palco knows that the most critical…
Palco Re-Awarded Self-Direction Home Care Contract by State of Colorado
Palco, the nation’s first leading provider of financial management services (FMS) toMedicaid self-directed care programs, announced today the re-award of a contract fromthe State of Colorado’s Department of Health Care Policy and Financing foradministration of the state’s Consumer-Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS)program. Palco has partnered with the State of Colorado since 2019, empowering independencefor over…
Care is a Click Away
On December 12, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) presented guidance* to states to leverage worker registries to boost beneficiaries’ access to home- and community-based services (HCBS). While the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) helped HCBS programs tremendously, ARPA says that “states must use funds to implement or supplement activities to enhance, expand,…
2023 Financial Management Services End of Year Memo
This memo will answer some frequently asked end-of-year questions as well as tell you what you can expect from Palco as we close out 2023. W-2 Forms The IRS requires that all 2023 W-2s be mailed to employees no later than January 31, 2024. Palco will mail all W-2s through the United States Postal Service…
2023 Highlights
2023 was a fantastic year for the Palco team. Check out our 2023 Highlights, special edition to read more. We look forward to an amazing 2024.
Depression During the Holidays
We’ve all heard and read about depression during the holiday season, but it can especially ring true for seniors and people with disabilities for a myriad of reasons. There is also tons of real data to back up the fact that a countless Americans feel this burden during this season. Along with that data, as…
What is Self-Direction?
Self-direction is a model of long-term care that helps people—of all ages with varying disabilities—live independent lives in their own homes. Self-direction began in the 1980’s during a movement to de-institutionalize people with disabilities from settings like nursing homes and hospitals and get them back into the community receiving their care. According to the AARP…
Veteran Directed Care
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes the self-directed or consumer-directed service delivery model as a meaningful strategy for veterans of all ages to access long term services and supports in a home and community based setting. The Veterans Directed Care (VDC) program was developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health…
Disability Careers Month
Pursuing a meaningful career is something most of us strive for in our lives. Individuals with disabilities are no exception to this. And individuals with disabilities that are also receiving services through a Medicaid waiver may encounter barriers in the pursuit of this goal, including Medicaid program or waiver qualifications that include income limits to…
Palco Newsletter – Q3 2023
Click here to read Palco’s Quarter Three Newsletter for 2023.
Pets and Disabilities
September is National Service Dog Month! National Service Dog Month is a month-long celebration honoring the hard work and life-changing impact service dogs make on people with disabilities every day. Service dogs and other pets can make a huge impact on the lives of people with disabilities and their families. by Spencer GriffinCommunications Director
Tips for Navigating IEPs
The new school year kicking off can bring both excitement and stress! While many families are preparing for the first day(s) by gathering their supplies and new shoes, families of children with disabilities are often also preparing for any accommodations or tools their child will need to be successful in the upcoming year. If your…
Recruiting Quality Caregivers
Choosing the right caregiver for yourself or a loved one is a major decision. There are many options to consider when hiring, and resources at times can be overwhelming. According to the CDC, there will be 71 millon people 65 and older when all the baby boomers are at least 65 in the year 2030[1]….
Understanding and Preventing Fraud, Waste, and Abuse within a Self-Directed Service Delivery Model
Fraud, waste, and abuse is a common phrase heard throughout the medical and social services industry. Understanding what this means and how to prevent it is a key concern for state Medicaid agencies, managed care organizations, and self-direction program staff. We’re going to break down each of these topics and provide examples of steps you…
Why FMS Ownership Matters (Part Two)- Being CPA Owned
This is a big year for Palco! In 2023, we mark our 25th anniversary – but “25” is really just the tip of the iceberg. Palco’s parent company, which is a Certified Public Accounting (CPA) firm owned by two CPAs, is in its 33rd year of business. And, we actually piloted the nation’s first self-directed…
Palco Program Spotlight – Colorado
Colorado Consumer-Directed Attendant Support Services program (CDASS) In 2019, Palco began partnering with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) to serve as a Financial Management Services vendor for the Consumer-Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS) program. The CDASS program helps eligible home and community-based waiver participants hire and manage their own attendants…
Palco Newsletter- Q2 2023
Click here to read Palco’s Quarter Two Newsletter for 2023.
ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a wide-ranging federal Civil Rights act that was passed and signed into law in 1990. It prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities. Take a look at the video below to see what all the act encompasses and how it helps you and your loved ones. by Kady…
An Earned Wage Solution for the 21st Century Caregiver
“Accessing my pay when I need it has brought me major stress relief when it comes to putting gas in my car and buying food. I am grateful to the Palco program for having this resource.” – Palco Self-Directing Caregiver Caregiver Crisis It’s difficult to miss news discussing the caregiver crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic, an…
Implementing EVV in Self-Direction
In case you missed it, the 21st Century Cures Act requires states to use Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) for any Medicaid-funded personal care services. Failure to comply with this requirement results in a reduction of the state’s FMAP (Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage). EVV electronically captures the type of service performed, who received the service, who…
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Include our Aging and Disabled Neighbors
Many people working at Palco have the shared experience of family members or close friends with special needs that require additional home care support. These include those with disabilities of any age and/or aging loved ones. We have committed portions of our lives and careers to responding to these needs and finding the services and…
Summer Safety and Free Fun for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Getting out and having fun in the sun is always one of the exciting parts of summer, but for aging adults, those activities can be dangerous without taking the proper precautions. This is especially true for those days of extreme heat and high UV index. While the tips we give below are far from comprehensive,…
The Right Selection for Self-Direction
Learn about the advantages Palco’s partners have access to! Advantages ✔ Innovative modern technology with live and local service professionals answering customer support requests. ✔ 24/7 cloud-based system with configurable and customizable features to meet any program needs. ✔ Lightning fast enrollment with the capability for full FMS enrollment completion in under 3 minutes! Experience…
Quality Customer Service Matters
The components of a good customer service team consist of creating best practices to help the company develop highly effective processes to streamline the work. Implementing these practices can improve efficiency. Having the ability and knowledge to respond quickly to the client’s needs allows the caller’s issues to be resolved quickly and efficiently. Every client’s…
FMS Roles and Responsibilities with Taxes
As the 2022 tax season comes to a close, self-directed stakeholders may be curious about the role the Financial Management Service (FMS) provider plays in filing taxes and assisting in managing their self-directed services within a Fiscal Employer Agent (F/EA) program. First, its important to know that when a self-directing employer enrolls with the FMS,…
Think Palco First
The most dangerous phrase in language is, we’ve always done it this way. -Grace Hopper In order to evolve and remain in line with a vision that produces results and quality care, Palco has continued to modernize our technology to meet the demands of the self-directed marketplace. Email us at partnerships@palcofirst.com to learn more. by…
Palco Program Spotlight- Ohio
Less than a year ago, Palco partnered with the Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio to serve as the Financial Management Services (FMS) vendor for the Elderly Services Program (ESP). The Elderly Services Program helps older adults from Butler, Clinton, Hamilton, and Warren counties – Cincinnati to Oxford, Mason to Wilmington, and everywhere in between…
Why FMS Ownership Matters
The Financial Management Services (FMS) industry has seen tremendous growth in the last decade due to an increasing demand for in-home services and support across our country. More than ever before, recent world events like the COVID pandemic emphasized the value and importance of being able to age in your preferred location like your home,…
Employer Responsibilities In Self-Direction
Self-Direction: A Medicaid Long-Term Care Model Self-direction is a Medicaid long-term care model that supports the chronically ill, older adults, and those with a disability at any age to remain at home and in their community. It empowers individuals to live the lives they want to live. To stay safe in your home, you or…
Impact of Cloud-Native Services on FMS
An overview of the impact and benefits of cloud-native software for financial management services (FMS). At Palco, we want to help individuals overcome all barriers to living their most meaningful lives. In today’s world, that demands understanding the transformation Financial Management Services (FMS) have seen in the last decade. We have spent time and capital…
Support Coordinator Toolbox
The role of a Support Broker in self-direction ensures participants and employers have the support and guidance they need to be successful in directing and managing their care. Through person-centered support, a dedicated Support Broker understands the unique needs of the participant/employer and helps educate and connect them to the things they need. Depending on…
Wages Now
How Does Wages Now Work? You can access your wages through the Money Network Card’s easy access portal at any time during your pay period. After shifts are completed, offers will be provided through the smart phone application, offering you up to 50% of the money you have earned from your shift. Your early payroll…
Plant Your Future with Palco
A 25-year Story of SuccessPalco has provided FMS services since 1999, starting in Arkansas, which was the first state to pilot self-direction. Our headquarters, however, are where you are. We serve a nation-wide client base providing tools and solutions right where you are. The entire company grew out of the commonsense fiscally responsible model of…
CO CDASS MMES Now Available Digitally
The Monthly Client Expenditure Statement (MMES) for each member is now electronically available in the Palco Case Management Portal (CMP) and in Connect for CDASS employers! The MMES provides a breakdown of spending and remaining monthly reserve funds for CDASS employers to be able to correctly monitor and manage their budget. Case Managers & Supervisors…
2022 Financial Management Services End of Year Memo
This memo will answer some frequently asked end-of-year questions as well as tell you what you can expect from Palco as we close out 2022. W2 Forms The IRS requires that all 2022 W-2s be mailed to employees no later than January 31, 2023. Palco will mail all W-2s through the United States Postal Service. If…
Colorado EVV Strike Protocol Reminders & Resources
This notice is only for CDASS Members or Authorized Representatives who are required to use EVV. In Colorado, CDASS Members/Authorized Representatives are subject to compliance measures such as the Electronic Visit Verification Protocol that is monitored by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF). Palco provides monthly reporting and data, as required by…
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. As online threats to your personal data become more common, guarding it means taking action. We often think changing our passwords or installing anti-virus software will be enough. However, today a new phrase is, “if you can connect it, you need to protect it.” This means it takes more to…
It Pays to Care
What is self-direction? Self-directed services are Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) that help people – of all ages with different disabilities – live independent lives in their own homes and communities. They maintain their independence by choosing the mix of services and supports that work best for them. Self-direction empowers each program participant to expand…
New Mexico Training Announcement
In preparation for phase two go-live, coming in May 2022, Palco is hosting several training sessions to prepare stakeholders for what’s to come. Training sessions will be individualized for each user group and will be broken out into specific topics. Multiple trainings are available through the months of February – May. To register for training…
Incentive Payments for Independent Choices Caregivers (Arkansas)
Palco is excited to partner with the Arkansas Department of Human Services to provide workforce stabilization incentive payments to program stakeholders! What you need to know. The American Rescue Plan Act, Section 9817 Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Spending Plan, gives states the ability to issue incentives to direct support professionals to help with workforce…
2021 End of Year Memo
This memo will answer frequently asked end of year questions and explain what you can expect from Palco as we close out 2021. As we reach the end of 2021, we want to thank you for your commitment to self-direction and keeping yourself or those you love safe in their home and community.| W2 FormsThe…
Pennsylvania Employers- DOL Notices
As part of our 2021 first-quarter filing with the PA Department of Labor (DOL) and Industry for Unemployment Taxes at the end of April, a prefile is sent to the state to confirm all information. From this file, we were notified of a number of individuals in need of a form to be filed with…
EVV 2.0
Palco, along with the Department of Human Services (DHS), has been working hard to improve the Federally mandated Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) process*. Effective 5/25/2021 all Arkansas Self-Directing Employers/Participants and their Workers, employed by the Participant, will use Palco’s Connect system for all EVV edits and approvals. These improvements will replace the current AuthentiCare website…
Android Operating System Update for AuthentiCare Mobile Application
Some Andriod OS users will require an upgrade in order to use AuthintiCare Mobile application v 2.0.7 released March 17, 2021. In order to use AuthentiCare Mobile Application 2.0.7 for daily EVV activities, please ensure workers use a device that is compatible with Android OS operating system version of 6.0 or higher to address a security compliance issue….
Arkansas EVV Transition is Coming!
EVV will start on 3/30/2021 Arkansas Workers of Arkansas IndependentChoices employers must start using Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) to enter the start and stop of every shift. Don’t delay your pay! Effective March 30, 2021 paper timesheets will no longer be accepted. Sign up for our mobile app and web portal today! It’s as easy…
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
In 1987, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed March “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.” President Reagan’s proclamation built upon the deinstitutionalization movement of the seventies and eighties. The proclamation inspired further social change by asking Americans to provide the “encouragement and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to reach their potential.” Feeling optimistic these citizens moved from institutions…
Historic Winter Storm
Paper Checks for February 19th Vendor Payroll Central Arkansas, the location of Palco’s main office, as well as Texas and many parts of the United States, experienced a historic winter storm this week with nearly 18 inches of snow. As a result, we have experienced unexpected power outages, dangerous driving conditions, and the closing of…
Colorado FMS Transition
Effective April 1, 2021, Acumen Fiscal Agent will no longer be providing Financial Management Services (FMS) for Colorado CDASS members. All members currently utilizing Acumen Fiscal Agent must choose a new FMS vendor by February 10, 2021. If members do not choose an FMS by February 10, 2021, they will be automatically transferred to Palco….
2020 End of Year Memo
This memo will answer frequently asked end of year questions and explain what you can expect from Palco as we close out 2020. W2 FormsThe IRS requires that all 2020 W-2s be mailed to employees no later than January 31, 2021. Palco will mail all W-2s through the United States Postal Service. If you do…
New Mexico EVV Training Dates
Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) is being implemented jointly by the New Mexico Human Services Department, the Department of Health, and contracted partners Conduent, Palco, and Fiserv and will be effective January 1, 2021.
Palco Presents at 2020 Virtual Home and Community-Based Services Conference
The 21st Century Cures Act mandates EVV for personal care services by January 1, 2020. Introducing Electronic Visit Verification in a self-directed program has its own set of unique challenges. As states move forward with implementation plans, our panel of industry experts will examine recent implementations, and share lessons learned that specifically relate to self-directed service…
Welcome to our new website!
We are delighted to announce the launch of our newly redesigned website. We worked to create a website with easy access to the tools you use the most, our Connect Portal, and your program forms. Plus, we have added the accessibility tool to improve navigation and your online experience. We value your opinion. Please contact…