February 2021
Newsletter
Happy February!

Spring is coming. Vaccines are rolling out and COVID case counts are slowly decreasing. Our team is so very hopeful for the coming weeks and months and we are looking forward to getting back out into the community to visit with you later this year.

Please enjoy our second edition of the PCM Monthly Newsletter and don't hesitate to reach out to us with questions or ideas for content that you'd find useful.
Do you know someone who would make
a great PCM Skills Trainer?
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In this issue:
  • COVID Updates and Info

  • Fiscal Intermediary (FI) Info

  • AFC Corner

  • Skills Training Tips: Overtime

  • Meet the Team

  • Contact Info
COVID-19 Updates and Information
Hand Sanitizer 1
Distance
Click on the links below to get more information about these essential COVID-related resources
Not sure when you're eligible for a vaccine?
Simply click the following link and answer a few questions to find out what phase you’re in and when you can get the vaccine.

COVID-19 Reminders
It will take time to get everyone vaccinated. Before you are vaccinated, between doses, and even after you are fully vaccinated, we must continue stop the spread of COVID-19. Wear a mask, wash your hands, avoid large groups, etc.

PCAs are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine!

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Can't find a PCA due to COVID? Connect with a local Home Health Agency
Fiscal Intermediary (FI) Information: E-Timesheet Help
First to complete online timesheets here is the form you and your PCA would need to fill out. You would then submit this form to the Fi department by fax or mail:


Once you've completed this form, and the FI department processes it, you and your PCA will receive an email with a link to activate your account. You have 24 hours to click on this link, otherwise it will expire and you will need to contact the FI department to have them send you a new one.

Once you and your PCA have activated your accounts, you can click the following link to watch four quick videos with step-by-step instructions on how to create and submit an e-timesheet for each pay period.

After you or your PCA submits an e-timesheet, it then will be submitted by email to the other person to approve the e-timesheet. A confirmation email will then be sent to both parties that the timesheet was submitted.

Whether you have one or three PCAs, all you need to do is pick their name in the drop down section to complete your timesheet for the last two weeks.
Advantages to E-timesheets:

  • Convenience of completing your timesheet from your own home. We know finding a consistent spot to submit timesheets by fax could be an inconvenience. New England weather and COVID-19 certainly doesn't help!


  • An incentive to completing timesheets online and if you are also using your on bank by submitting timesheets on Sunday, you receive payment on Wednesday instead of Friday!
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AFC Corner
Did you know we also have an Adult Family Care (AFC) Program that consumers, families, and live in caregivers could benefit from?

If you have less than 14 daytime hours per week allotted to your Prior Authorization, our AFC program might be a better fit for you!

Adult Family Care provides monthly case management and nursing support to individuals with disabilities who require assistance and supervision with their activities of daily living.
To be eligible, you or your consumer must be 16 years of age or older and must be living with a caregiver who is not your/their legal guardian or spouse. If you are looking for ongoing case management and nursing support, and you have less than 14 daytime hours on your PA, you should look into our Adult Family Care program

For more information or to make a referral, please contact the Adult Family Care Director, Ashley Cook at 978-624-2313 or [email protected].
SKILLS TRAINING CORNER: Overtime Authorizations
Do you have a single PCA working over 50 hours each week? Do you have a PCA that works over 50 hours per week between multiple consumers in the PCA program, even if they are a PCA for a consumer in a different agency? If either of these scenarios apply to any of your PCA’s, an overtime request form must be completed, submitted, and approved by MassHealth.

The Overtime Authorization Request form can be found HERE

Please contact your skills trainer for further assistance filling out the form.
OUR TEAM
Meet some of the amazing staff who help support our PCM consumers
Chris Ponder
East Team Senior Skills Trainer
Meet Chris Ponder he is the East Team Senior Skills Trainer. Chris has been with the PCM Program since February of 2018.

Chris was recently nominated for the Northeast Arc recognition program for “Changing Lives Making a Difference”. As a member of the management team he is a strong advocate for his staff and for the families we serve. Happy 3 Year PCM Anniversary Chris!
CONTACT US
Did you know that we now have a dedicated receptionist?
Call 978-762-0301 during business hours to be connected to your Skills Trainer.

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Do you know someone who would benefit from PCA services? Submit a REFERRAL online