CMS

The 7th CMS New Freedom Initiative Conference was held March 5-7 in Baltimore. Presentations are available in both PDF and text formats. “Choice and Independence” is a key pillar of CMS’ vision for a person-centered long term services and supports system for the future. The 2007 conference focused on the policies, programs, and tools -including opportunities authorized by the Deficit Reduction Act– available to shape and carry out the vision.

A new database showcases the efforts of many of the TA providers serving CMS’ grantees. The database allows users to see the wide range of activities that support and enrich the grantees under the New Freedom Initiative. The database contains important information regarding existing and upcoming research products, conferences, and significant meetings as well as a wide variety of toolkits, surveys, and policy briefs, intended to be of interested to the disability and long-term care community.

This letter announces the availability of a new technical assistance tool for use by States who wish to assess the current state of their long-term care systems, including their progress towards rebalancing. \"A Model State Profile for Assessing a State Long-Term Care System\", along with a \"Technical Assistance Guide to Assessing a State Long-Term Care System\" are now available on the CMS website.

The Medicaid Home and Community-Based services waiver program is authorized in §1915(c) of the Social Security Act. The program permits a State to furnish an array of services that assist beneficiaries to live in the community and avoid institutionalization. CMS recognizes design and operation features of a waiver program will vary depending on the specific needs of the target population, the resources available, service delivery system structure, State goals and objectives, and other factors.

HHS announced on September 15, 2006, the award of $20 million in grants to states to develop programs for people with disabilities or long term illnesses. The eight states receiving a 2006 award are California, Virginia, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Kansas. The award will help states and territories “rebalance” their long-term support programs to help people with chronic illness or disabilities to reside in their homes and participate fully in community life.

Are you searching for previous versions of past letters? The CMS website now has over 300 letters on-line in a searchable database. State Medicaid Directors' letter are used to provide States with guidance and clarification on current information pertaining to Medicaid policy and Medicaid data issues. The intent of these letters is not to establish policy, but to ensure consistency and better serve the States. Review the list which is sortable by subject, date or topic.

CMS announced $218 million in demonstration grants awarded up to 10 States to help provide community alternatives to psychiatric residential treatment facilities for children. These demonstration grants enacted by the Deficit Reduction Act, available over a five year period, will also assist States in adopting strategic approaches for improving quality as they work to improve each child's functional level in the community. Applicants' teleconference Sept. 19 & proposals are due Oct. 18, 2006.

Enacted by the Deficit Reduction Act, the MFP Rebalancing Demonstration is a part of a comprehensive, coordinated strategy to assist States in making widespread changes to their long-term care support systems. With the history and strength of the Real Choice Systems Change grants as a foundation, this initiative will assist in reducing reliance on institutional care while developing community-based opportunities. Applicants' teleconference - August 22, 2006. Proposals due November 1, 2006.

A one page overview of basic information about F2F centers including the purpose, activities, and techniques.

This letter is one of a series that provides guidance on the implementation of the Deficit Reduction Act. Section 6044, State Flexibility in Benefit Packages, adds a new section 1937 to the Social Security Act. Review the options that states have to amend plans to provide alternative benefit packages to beneficiaries, without regard to comparability, statewideness, freedom of choice, or certain other traditional Medicaid requirements.