State Medicaid Director's letters

The Participant Experience Surveys (PES) is an interview tool developed by MEDSTAT under a contract from CMS. The surveys capture data that can be used to calculate indicators for monitoring quality within the waiver prograns. Two versions of the PES are included, one for frail elderly and adults with physical disabilities and another for adults with MR/DD. A Users' Guide accompanies each PES. Each survey can be conducted in a face-to-face interview in 30 minutes or less.

In his letter to State Medicaid Directors dated February 17, 2004, Glenn Stanton (Acting Director, DEHPG, CMS) introduces the Quality Inventory Report. The Report summarizes and discusses the results of this first-time nationwide systematic survey of state waiver QA/QI systems. The report also includes recommendations for CMS follow-up. This letter is also referred to as CMS Quality Communication #4.

In this letter to State Medicaid Directors, Glenn Stanton (Acting Director, DEHPG, CMS) describes the modifications made to the HCBS Quality Framework. The modifications emphasize the importance of building quality into the design of HCBS programs. Included here are Mr. Stanton's letter, the final Quality Framework, and a working draft of \"sub-domains\" which provide specificity within each focus area. This letter is also referred to as CMS Quality Communication #3.

This CMS letter highlights the ways that states can include public input in the 1115 waiver, Home and Community-Based Service Waiver, and managed care waiver process. Some examples are provided including public forums and legislative hearings.

In this letter CMS introduces Medicaid Directors to Careplanner.org. If you are a senior or caregiver, you can use this site to enter information about your current living situation/preferences and then receive custom-tailored reports that help you decide between different living options. This free service is funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.