Person-Centered Service Plan

Support Coordinators will begin using a new Person-Centered Service Planning process soon. A Person-Centered Service Plan will replace the current planning document. It was created by AHCCCS and all Managed Care Organizations (MCO) supporting the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS). Using a person-centered approach will improve how Support Coordinators engage with members and their families. The goal of the Person-Centered Service Planning process is to help the planning team to work together to create and put to action a plan driven by the member. It will include things that are important to them. The person-centered approach:

• Builds on the member’s strengths, choices and needs.
• Identifies ways to be involved in the community and socially active.
• Promotes independence and inclusion.

Person-Centered Service Planning will help DDD ensure members’ voices and choices are heard. Members will have greater independence and input on the services they receive. It will also improve timely and appropriate care coordination, so their needs are met. The ultimate goal is to help members achieve their goals and live the life they want. Support Coordinators are being trained on the new Person-Centered Service Planning process. They will use the new planning approach at planning meetings after they are trained. 

Please submit any questions related to the Person-Centered Service Plan to the Division using this link https://forms.gle/SRxzGRZUkjcYDZnq6.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Person-Centered Service Plan?
A: The Person-Centered Service Plan is a new process your Support Coordinator will use during your planning meeting. They will use it as well as member input to complete the assessment and determine needed services and supports to help the member reach their goals.

Q: Why is there another new planning document?
A: This person-centered plan will replace the current planning document. It was created by AHCCCS and all Managed Care Organizations (MCO) supporting the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS). Using a person-centered planning process will help DDD ensure members’ voices and choices are heard. Members will have greater independence and input on the services they receive. It will also improve timely and appropriate care coordination, so their needs are met. The ultimate goal is to help members achieve their goals and live the life they want.

Q: Who will be engaged in new the Person-Centered Service Planning?
A: All members over the age of three will be able to participate in the Person-Centered Service Planning process.

Q: When will my Support Coordinator begin using the Person-Centered Service Plan at my planning meetings?
A: Support Coordinators are being trained on the Person-Centered Service Planning process. Your Support Coordinator will use the new process at planning meetings after they are trained.

Q: How is Person-Centered Service Planning different from what happens now?
A: For most members, Person-Centered Service Planning will be very similar to what happens now. The Support Coordinator will continue to talk to you about your likes and dislikes, strengths, interests, talents, and how to make life more meaningful. The person-centered approach will help the planning team focus more on you. You will guide the talk by sharing how things are going for you. You can have your family, friends, caregivers and others close to you present and part of the process if you want. You will continue to be an active participant in the planning process to the greatest extent possible. A primary focus of the planning meetings is to:

• Learn about member’s strengths, life preferences, skills, and abilities.
• Identify goals related to school, work, volunteering, community engagement, personal resources, living options, relationships, etc.

Q: How will Person-Centered Service Planning help me (my child) and my family?
A: Person-Centered Service Planning will help the Support Coordinator to better gather information from you and your family to ensure your voice and choices are heard

Q: What happens in Person-Centered Service Planning when the member is a child, has a guardian or has difficulty communicating?
A: All members’ desires should be communicated as part of the planning process. DDD believes most members will be active in their planning meeting. Members may communicate what they like or dislike through their language or behavior. Trusted family members or caregivers can provide insight into the member’s desires if the Support Coordinator is unable to understand the member.

Q: Will the meeting take longer when my Support Coordinator starts using the Person-Centered Service Planning process at my planning meeting?
A: Your planning meeting may be longer than usual the first time your Support Coordinator uses the Person-Centered Service Planning process.

Q: Will the use of the Person-Centered Service plan affect my or my child's services or benefits?
A: Changes have not been made to covered benefits however, more attention will be paid to your strengths, preferences and support needs. This includes identifying meaningful activities such as social connections, employment and volunteering. The person- centered service planning process is intended to provide you with more independence and community inclusion.

Q: Will my Support Coordinator gather needed signatures electronically?
A: Yes, your Support Coordinator will use a secure electronic system to gather all needed signatures. Your Support Coordinator will mail the Service Plan to you to sign if the planning meeting is virtual and you do not have email access.

Q: What if I don’t agree with what is developed in my Person-Centered Service Planning?
A: Every member who is ALTCS eligible has the right to appeal their Person-Centered Service Plan. An appeal is a request from a member or other approved entity to reconsider or change a decision, or action. An action includes any denial, reduction, suspension, or termination of a service or benefit, or a failure to act in a timely manner. Visit the “Request an Appeal” page on the DDD website for information on how to file an appeal.