Free Choice Provider Consultation (FCPC)
What is Free Choice Providers Consultation?
Free Choice Providers Consultation is an interactive process where individuals receive information about community providers and resources available. The information will assist them in making informed choices about disability related services and supports.
The process is directed by the individual eligible for intellectual/developmental disability (I/DD) program services and may include others that the person chooses or those that are legally authorized to make decisions on behalf of the individual.
Why Free Choice Providers Consultation?
Kansas state regulation requires the Sedgwick County Developmental Disability Organization (SCDDO) to impartially help people who are determined eligible for I/DD program services:
- learn what types of community services are available in Sedgwick County and how to contact potential providers
- decide which community services they may wish to obtain
- access services from the provider(s) of choice
Who does Free Choice Providers Consultation?
SCDDO service access specialist will provide information free from conflict that will allow you to make an informed choice about what services or providers you would like to receive support from in Sedgwick County. Free Choice Providers Consultation may be requested by the individual to be served, his/her guardian or a community partner such as a care coordinator from a Managed Care Organization (MCO), a representative from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), a targeted case manager (TCM), community service provider (CSP) or a community developmental disability organization (CDDO) from another county in Kansas. Free Choice Providers Consultation will only be done directly with the individual/guardian. Free Choice Providers Consultation can be completed in person or over the phone.
When should Free Choice Providers Consultation happen?
Free Choice Providers Consultation should occur upon the following circumstances:
- a person is determined eligible for I/DD program services
- a person wants to select a TCM that is funded through Title XIX Medicaid or a private payment agreement
- an unmet, I/DD related need is identified and person or guardian needs help locating community resources
- new access to Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) or Medicaid is granted to an eligible person who needs to choose an MCO, TCM and/or other service provider(s).
- a person needs to select a provider(s) after accepting an offer of funding for services
- a person wants to select a new provider for existing I/DD program services
- a person receiving services is determined by his/her MCO to be in need of a new service
- someone is discharged from a public/private ICF/ID or nursing facility
- a person receiving services from another CDDO area transfers their services into Sedgwick County
- annually at the individuals functional assessment
- annually during open enrollment or when assistance is needed to change MCO
- other situations as directed by KDADS policy
What happens after I have made my choice?
Once Free Choice Providers Consultation is completed and choice(s) have been made, SCDDO staff will document the choice(s) and notify KDADS, the individual’s MCO and selected providers. The MCO will update the person’s Integrated Service Plan (ISP) to reflect the new access or change reflected by the Free Choice Providers Consultation documentation. Once services are authorized by the MCO, selected providers may begin delivering services to the individual.
Please note: Information provided by SCDDO during the Free Choice Providers Consultation process is intended to help the individual or his/her guardian to make an informed decision regarding services in a conflict free environment and should not be considered a guarantee, offer or authorization of services.