CMS

This CMS letter provides a status update on the web-based version of the application for 1915(c) Home and Community Based waivers, the revised paper version of the waiver application (Version 3.3) and the evaluation of it, as well as the 373 S and Q.

CMS has issued this new letter to provide guidance on the implementation of the Deficit Reduction Act. Section 6036, Improved Enforcement of Documentation Requirements, creates a new subsection 1903(x) of the Social Security Act that requires individuals claiming U.S. citizenship to provide satisfactory documentary evidence of citizenship or nationality when initially applying for Medicaid or upon a recipient’s first Medicaid redetermination on or after July 1, 2006.

The CMS Systems Change conference, Transforming Systems: Keys to Success was held April 10-12 in Baltimore. Presentations from the 2006 sessions are available in both PDF and text formats. Topics range from ideas on system transformation, stakeholder involvement, coalition building, strategic planning, sustaining systems change, and the Deficit Reduction Act. Full titles are listed in the keywords section.

Launched by CMS, the center provides information and assistance to state and local governments, policy makers, researchers, employers, workers and consumers. The Resource Center offers a comprehensive on-line database, information through a toll-free telephone number, and individualized, in-depth technical assistance for selected State Medicaid Agencies. Visit the site for best practices and other materials to increase the quality of the workforce and enhance recruitment and retention.

On March 31, 2006, HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt outlined new flexibilities available to states under the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005 (Pub.L. No. 109-171). Find out how the new DRA provisions may link with other options available under Medicaid to transform long-term care to person-centered care and to expand coverage for individuals with disabilities, increase access to community supports, and promote personal responsibility, independence, and choice.

With this funding for Systems Transformation, CMS will be awarding several states and non-profit agencies with small supplemental grants. States and other eligible organizations, in partnership with their disability and aging communities, may submit proposals to design and construct systems infrastructure that will result in effective and enduring improvements in community long-term support systems.

CMS has developed the final revised working draft of the 1915 (c) HCBS waiver application, Instructions and Technical Guide, Resource Documents, and the CMS Review Instrument. This is the version that CMS is currently automating for use as a web-based application available in Feb 2006. The new application was designed to solicit more complete information from states about the design of their waiver program to better determine whether a proposed waiver has the capacity to meet the requirements.

CMS is pleased to announce the new and improved CMS website. The new site employs a user-friendly design to get visitors the information they need with the least amount of clicks. It introduces one-stop shopping “centers” targeted to specific professionals such as providers and partners, who frequent the site. The main changes include timely, relevant and accurate content, improved Google search features, and consistent organization and navigation sections.

Quality Communication #10 represents another in a series of CMS communications to support state efforts to improve the quality of services and supports. The letter announces the final revised working draft of the 1915 (c) Waiver Application, Instructions and Technical Guide, Resource Documents, and the CMS Review Instrument. This is the version that CMS is currently automating for use as a web-based application available for use in early February 2006.

What are the responsibilities of 2005 ADRC grantees? The Grantee Requirements and Cooperative Agreement between grantees, AoA and CMS offers full details. All projects must submit a work plan that highlights key goals and objectives for the project. This resource offers guidance to grantees as they develop a plan.