UDW supports the concept of integration of IHSS into
Medi-Cal managed care.  However until we know all the details we are not yet taking a position on the Governor’s proposals.

Regardless of what is being proposed, UDW is guided by the following principles:

• IHSS recipients must maintain the right to self-direct their home care services; this includes the right to hire, fire, and supervise their homecare provider.
• IHSS recipients must maintain the right to hire whoever they want as their IHSS provider, including family members.
• Any transition into managed care should involve the strongest consumer protections possible, including the right of the recipient to opt-out of such a transition.
• Any transition into managed care cannot be undertaken without input and consent from UDW. It should not be undertaken without direct engagement of IHSS consumers, who will be directly impacted by the transition, or organizations created to represent their interests. Real stakeholder involvement is critical
• IHSS providers should, at a minimum, maintain all wages and benefits at their current level, or have them enhanced.
• IHSS providers must maintain their existing collective bargaining rights.
• UDW must remain the collective bargaining representative of its existing bargaining units in every county in which we represent IHSS providers. All existing collective bargaining agreements, verbal or written, between UDW and IHSS Employers-of-Record must be maintained.

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