Background
The Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005 provided new opportunities for States to offer Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and self-directed services. Specifically, the DRA provided two new state plan options: §1915(i) HCBS, and §1915(j) Self-Directed Personal Assistance Services. The Affordable Care Act of 2010 established the 1915(k) Community First Choice option which allows states to offer attendant services and related supports in the state plan. These options are now available to States in addition to existing authorities, such as §1915(c) HCBS waivers.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) understand that States may need assistance in determining which authority will best meet their needs, and recognize that States also need assistance in understanding CMS requirements and designing their programs accordingly.
To address these needs, CMS has contracted with New Editions Consulting, Inc. and their accomplished team of consultants to provide technical assistance to States at all stages of program development and implementation.
Technical Assistance available includes the areas of:
- Home and Community Based Services [ Section 1915(i) and Section 1915(c) ]
- Self-Directed Personal Assistance Services State Plan Option [ Section 1915(j) ]
- Community First Choice option [Section 1915(k)]
- Expanding Mental Health Services under Waivers
- Self-Directed Services
- Supported Employment
- Individual Budgeting
- Need Assessment
- Positive Behavioral Supports
- Community Integration
- Mortality and Morbidity Data Collection and Analysis
- Other Areas as Needed by States
Examples of Technical Assistance Services Provided to States:
- Helping a state determine what authority will best meet its objectives
- Providing guidance on major features of §1915(i), including developing needs-based criteria and self-directed services
- Providing guidance on major features of Section 1915(j), including the services to be self-directed and budget plan
- Consultation on options under Medicaid authorities to assist in long-term program sustainability and to identify strategies for refinancing day and employment services
- Providing technical assistance to help states effectively migrate from multiple waivers to a single authority
- Advice on case management and support coordination services and approaches
- Optimizing community life engagement and supporting employment opportunities
- Identifying strategies to support children with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Clarifications and other assistance with the application process
- Assistance identifying common barriers to implementation and how to address them