CMS

The Ask Medicare initiative was developed by CMS to help caregivers navigate challenging issues and find necessary information to make better healthcare decisions for their loved ones. The main feature of Ask Medicare is a one-stop, easy-to-use Web site with targeted information, decision-making resources, and support tools. The Web site also includes a free e-newsletter and instructive, personal stories from caregivers.

This letter informs States of several changes to Section 1915(i) of the Social Security Act (the Act) made by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These changes, which become effective October 1, 2010, include revised and new 1915(i) provisions for removal of barriers to offering HCBS services through the Medicaid State plan. This letter is intended to provide guidance on important changes to the law including: Number Served & Statewideness, Financial Eligibility, Targeted Benefits and Services.

This letter provides guidance to State Medicaid agencies regarding implementation of section 4201 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the Recovery Act), Pub. L. 111-5, and our recently published regulations at 42 CFR Part 495, Subpart D. Section 4201, as well as our final regulations, will allow the payment of incentives to eligible professionals (EPs) and eligible hospitals to promote the adoption and meaningful use of certified electronic health record (EHR) technology.

Are MIGs assisting individuals with disabilities to become employed? An annual GPRA report has been produced since 2007. This report builds on previous work, and shows the continued impact of MIG funding in 2008 on programs and services that facilitate employment among individuals with disabilities. As the MIG program approaches the end of its authorized period, many states are committing to evaluating the programs, documenting their impacts, and sustaining the efforts beyond 2011.

Find a listing of caregiver services drawn from numerous sources by DHHS’ New Freedom Initiative Subcommittee on Caregiving members, speakers and other stakeholders. The list is not intended to be exhaustive or all-inclusive. It includes several programs developed to support the caregiver such as Caring From A Distance and the National Caregiver Alliance.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes the extension of the MFP Demonstration Program for an additional 5 years. This letter provides background about the MFP Demonstration Program, explains improvements made by the ACA, details how the ACA will impact current MFP grantees, and provides preliminary information for non-participating States that may be interested in pursuing new funding.

While 1915(c) waivers are a prominent vehicle for the delivery of HCBS, they are not the only mechanism available to States. CMS developed a technical assistance paper that outlines the enrollment authorities that States may consider when designing managed HCBS programs, the review and approval process for each, and rate setting techniques that may be useful. The appendix offers a useful chart outlining the authorities, including their key flexibilities and limitations.

Changes CMS is making in the State plan amendment (SPA) review process are explained in this letter. CMS has identified a process that will expedite the review of SPAs while ensuring that CMS and States resolve other questions that may arise. States will now have the option to resolve issues related to State plan provisions that are not integral to the SPA through a separate process. Several examples based on actual State plan issues are included.

Effective July 1, 2010, this rule makes significant clarifications regarding benchmark benefits packages. States have utilized these packages to provide expanded HCBS beyond those available through the Medicaid State Plan. Clarifications include the provision of non-emergency medical transportation, and children’s access to the full range of Medicaid EPSDT benefits. The attached file contains the official text of the rule as entered into the Federal Registry.

This letter was issued to provide information on new tools for community integration and to remind States of existing tools that remain strong resources in their efforts to support community living. Various technical assistance resources are listed, including a new guide for enhancing the availability of HCBS within managed care delivery systems. Progress around the HUD partnership, HCBS waiver and state plan options, grant programs, ADRCs and discharge planning are discussed as well.