Each month, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) will do a spotlight on a 1915(i) provider to celebrate their contributions and innovative approaches to person-centered care. By sharing their stories, we aim to inspire collaboration, foster continuous improvement, and strengthen our community's commitment to delivering high-quality services.
This month, we are highlighting Jade Olschlager, a care coordinator at Beacon of Lighthouse.
I grew up in Harvey, North Dakota. It’s a very small town with a population of under 2,000. I moved to Fargo last summer to work for Beacon of Lighthouse.
- What do you enjoy doing in your free time, or what do you do to relax?
My favorite thing to do when the weather permits is go camping, either solo with my black lab Mira, or with my family. Outdoor activities or just being in nature in general is my favorite way to unwind. I call it, “turning my brain on low power mode.”
- How long have you been a care coordinator (or doing this kind of work)?
I just recently started as a 1915(i) care coordinator in February, but I’ve been in the behavioral health field for about two years. I’ve worked with Community Connect and Free Through Recovery and have also worked in the roles of peer and housing support.
- Could you share what inspired you to become a 1915(i) provider?
I was really intrigued by how the 1915(i) program seemed to really hone in on what each role of the supports entail. The teamwork aspect is what inspired me the most. Each role is different and plays its own unique part, but we are all working towards the same thing. The member is in the driver’s seat of deciding what areas they are really wanting to focus on, and as a team we each play an important part of accomplishing the person-centered goals that are set.
- How do you tailor your services to meet the unique needs of each member?
I think building a strong rapport right off the bat is something that has helped immensely when it comes to meeting the needs of members. When you trust someone, you’re more likely to open up about what it is you really feel you need and why you feel you need it. When conversations like this take place in an atmosphere that is comfortable, it’s easy to bounce ideas back and forth and create conducive goals.
 |
|
Updated draft versions of the Prevocational Services, Supported Employment and Benefits Planning policies are on posted on the 1915(i) Provider Guidance and Policies webpage. There is also a new 1915(i) Grievance policy. All of these are open for public comment that can be emailed to [email protected]. |
 |
|
On the 1915(i) Provider Guidance and Policies webpage are updated resources to help guide you through submitting your 1915(i) billing.
For Medicaid Expansion members billing, there is a link to Payer Spaces in Availity. This will take you to an Availity billing how-to guide. Also, posted is an updated guide on how to submit billing in MMIS for traditional Medicaid members.
|
 |
|
Therap will be holding a conference in Fargo on June 10-11. Attendees can join sessions, connect with others, and explore tools to make services easier and more effective. |
 |
|
The next care coordination training will be in Bismarck, June 23-26. It will be held at the Radisson Hotel, 605 E. Broadway Avenue, Bismarck, ND. |
As a trusted provider who works directly with Medicaid members, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) would like your help to raise awareness about an upcoming Medicaid virtual listening session and survey.
Listening Session
HHS wants to gather feedback and hear lived experiences to improve Medicaid for its members and create a strong, member-led advisory committee.
Who should attend?
- Current or former Medicaid members and their family members
- Caregivers of Medicaid members (not providers)
Details
Tuesday, May 6 3 to 4:30 p.m. CT Virtual by Microsoft Teams Listening session agenda
Survey
Starting May 1, HHS will make available a short survey about how Medicaid can better serve its members. Participants don’t have to share who they are to take the survey. The survey will take 5-10 minutes to complete. Look for this survey on the Medicaid member feedback webpage.
---Help spread the word---
HHS has created a partner toolkit that you can use to promote the listening session and survey. Click the + sign next to the “listening session” and “survey” accordions on the webpage.
-
Flyers: Print and hang it up where Medicaid members will see the flyers.
-
Social media: Share the graphic and copy on your social channels.
Thank you for your help in supporting the advancement of strong, stable, healthy families and communities, an HHS strategic priority.
For more information: Jen Sheppard, [email protected] or 701-328-8666.
|