Spectrum Arch, Inc.| Role | What they do | Ask them about |
|---|---|---|
| The person and family | Make the decisions: goals, supports, staff, and how the budget is spent (with Budget Authority). | — |
| Circle of Support | People who know the person well. Help plan, review the budget, and support decisions. | Ideas, practical help, honest feedback |
| Care Manager (CCO) | Writes and updates the Life Plan, coordinates all services, helps with enrollment and requesting Self-Direction. | Eligibility, waiver enrollment, the Life Plan, other services |
| Support Broker | Helps design and manage Self-Direction: the Circle, the budget, hiring, amendments, and renewals. | The self-direction budget, staffing, IDGS, changes during the year |
| Fiscal Intermediary (FI) | Employer of record for self-hired staff: payroll, background checks, trainings, paying approved bills, tracking the budget. | Paychecks, timesheets, staff clearance, budget balance |
| OPWDD | Determines eligibility, sets the Personal Resource Account, and reviews and approves budgets. | Usually reached through your Care Manager or broker |
An easy way to remember it
The Care Manager plans your overall services. The Support Broker designs your self-direction budget and helps you run it. The FI makes the money and paperwork work.
Where families get stuck
- "Who do I call about a late paycheck?" The FI.
- "Can we add a class to the budget?" Your Support Broker.
- "Our Medicaid letter says coverage is ending." Your Care Manager, right away.
- "We want a different Support Broker." Your Care Manager can help you switch.
More detail on each: Support Brokers, Fiscal Intermediaries, and choosing a Care Coordination Organization.
Sources: OPWDD, Self-Direction; OPWDD Self-Direction Guidance (March 2022); OPWDD, FI Checklist.