Wisconsin Youngstar/Shares Question for WI Providers

[WImom]

I may be enrolling my first state pay client. I am already enrolled in Youngstar but haven't used them yet.

I feel so confused on how payment works. I'm a 2 star for now.

So parent pays co-pay (amount ?) and then if the state doesn't cover my whole weekly tuition amount then they would also pay the difference of that?
Or do they get to pay less than everyone else and they only pay the co-pay. I have no idea yet if the state will cover my whole amount or not since I can't seem to find info on Youngstar really explaining what to do once they enroll with your daycare besides sign up which I already did.

Can anyone help me in "Youngstar for Dummies" language? ::

[Heidi]

The way the state wants it to work:

You set a weekly rate, the state pays their hourly rate (on that child's authorization), but only for actual attendance. You charge the parent the difference. That would be their copay, plus any difference in your rate, plus any absent days you charge for.

So, if their authorization is 35 hours x $3.58, the max the state will pay for a week is $125.30. If your weekly rate is $150. the parent pays the difference. If they are only in care 20 hours one week, you can only bill that to the state. But, the parent SHOULD pay the difference.

The problem? First, the state hasn't raised it's rates since 2006, so their idea of an hourly rate is a bit off. Second, they will pay for a max of 35 hours, even if the authorization (or the hours of care needed) are more. So, if you charge contract-based, but based on hours, you have to charge the parent the difference or eat the cost. Same with holidays, absent days, etc.

Major problem, at least for me, is that most state-assisted families I've had make close to minimum wage. They cannot afford the difference. Their co-pay maybe, but not for the absent days or additional hours over 35.

I highly recommend you set up electronic billing, because you get paid way faster and then you KNOW it's done. Plus, you can check on authorizations at any time. Here is the link if you don't have it. Set up the account asap,because if I remember right there is some back-and-forth involved at first. Let me know if you have any other questions. You can even pm me, and I'll give you my phone number.

https://www.dwd.state.wi.us/dwsccpi/

Please, please, read the manual very carefully on how to bill (or attend a training), and make sure you are billing to match your attendance records! I cannot stress this enough. A LOT of providers were swept up in the fraud scandal because they rounded attendance times the wrong way (like wrote 7-5 every day vs. actual arrival and departure times or 7:03-4:59..yeah, it's like that).

[WImom]

Thank you for the info!!