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