Who is GT Independence? #
Built by a family, for families. #
Our company has roots like any other. We started from one family’s question: Why?
The Carmichael family looked at traditional care facilities for their son (and brother). They came away with questions: Why can’t people with disabilities live the lives they choose? Why can’t they stay in their own homes and communities?
This question turned into an idea. And this idea became a mission. The mission grew, branching out into a company—GT Independence—that serves tens of thousands of people across the United States.
Run by people with disabilities. For people with disabilities. #
Today, GT is filled with people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. We work together to serve the people in our communities.
We are what is called a financial management service (FMS) company. Every day, we help to manage the paperwork and the details that let people self-direct their care and support. But we don’t stop there. At GT, our goal is for every person to have the choice to self-direct.
We are advocates—for you, and for all of us.
Why We Exist #
To help people live a life of their choosing regardless of age or ability.
Contact Information: #
Contact Name: Elva Chavez
Contact Phone: 877-659-4500
Contact Email: Chavez@gtindependence.com, Jmercado@gtindependence.com
Time Zone: PST
Website: https://gtindependence.com/
Enrollment Information: #
Wait List: Will hold meeting and provide start date
Wait List Requirements: Will not accept mid year transfers
Main Information: #
Regional Centers Served: Alta, Central Valley, East Bay, Eastern LA, Golden Gate, Harbor, Inland, Kern, Lanterman, North Bay, North LA, Orange County, Redwood Coast, San Andreas, San Diego, San Gabriel/Pomona, South Central LA, Tri-Counties, Valley Mountain, Westside
Primary RC Vendor: Westside (WRC)
Languages: All Languages are supported to assist individuals in the language of their choice.
Platform: Portal
Customer Service: General Call Center
Notes: GT Requires Name of Employees and Services on Spending plan (this contradicts DDS FAQ)
Budget Report: Portal: can print out their own spending summary.
Maximum Budget Amount: No Cap
Models: Bill Payer (#PW7949), Sole Employer (#PW7948) and Co-Employer (#PW8151) #
Sole Employer: #
Sole Employer Burden Rate (No Current DDS Approved Rate):
Standard Employer Taxes: 11.95%, California Taxes (including Worker’s Comp): 3.86%, Other Program Costs: 2.19%, Total: 18%; Sick time is minimum 5 days and if the family wants to purchase a single policy through GT, it is a dollar amount specific to the individual and the number of full time and part time employees. This way, families are buying a policy specifically for their program structure and need.
Background Check: If not providing personal care, employer may have option to do GT background.
Sole Employer Insurance: Can use GT workers comp and liability or find workers comp policy; does not offer health insurance (but can reimburse employees).
Co-Employer: #
Co-Employer Burden Rate (No Current DDS Approved Rate):
Standard Employer Taxes: 11.95%, California Taxes (including Worker’s Comp): 6.6%, Other Program Costs: 2.19%, Employee Benefit Options: 3.26%, Total: 24%; Part time employees are eligible for benefits, when they meet the eligibility requirements to enroll.
Background Check: All employees and vendors must do live scan – GT no longer pays costs.
Co-Employer Insurance: Offers health insurance: full time employee chooses policy after 90 days, part time employees can get insurance after 1 year of work; employer pays 100%; participant must update spending plan; sick pay rolls over if not used up to 3 years (24 hours per year).
Payment Information: #
Vendor / Provider Packet Contains: Enrollment process through Docusign, W-9, Disclose method of payment – pay check out of state; Purchase of service agreement
Invoice time: Email invoice; vendor sends invoice to participant in a PDF or can submit invoice if signed by participant; invoice by 1st and 16th of the month, payment by 10th and 26th
Reimbursement: No
Credit Card Purchases: On approval
EVV: Already in system
Electronic Time Sheet: Yes
Additional Information: #
Yelp Reviews: GT Independence
