By Fran Kiernan & Monica Macer
October 2014 | 2014 Fall Newsletter
As an In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) consumer, you can decide to hire a new In-Home Care Provider (IP) at any time. Here are some tips to make sure the transition goes as quickly and smoothly as possible:
- If your new IP has never worked for IHSS before, they will need to go through the state mandated enrollment process. To begin this process, refer your new IP to the enrollment website: www.ihss.pascc.org. For questions about the enrollment process, please contact Public Authority Services Enrollment at (408) 350-3252.
- Contact your IHSS social worker directly or call IHSS at (408) 792-1600 to request a “Provider Changes Packet.” This packet includes forms to add a care provider to your case, including the Recipient Designation of Provider form (SOC 426A), and the Provider Change form.
- The main IHSS number may have long wait times, as they handle a large work load. You can minimize further wait time by having your IHSS case number ready, and by being prepared with your reason for calling (whether you need to add or change care providers.)
- Keep a copy of any forms for you and your IP. The SOC 426A form comes in carbon copy triplicate: white, yellow and pink. Mail the top white copy to IHSS, keep the yellow copy for yourself, and give the pink copy to your provider. This way all parties have records of information provided to IHSS IHSS can take up to four weeks to process Provider Change forms. To create a seamless transfer of providers, make Provider Change requests in advance when possible.
If you are having trouble finding a new care provider, you may contact the Public Authority Registry for assistance at (408) 350-3251.