Statewide Transition Plan Update -
New Rules for Home and Community-Based Services
From the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities
In January 2014, the federal government announced a new rule explaining which kinds of services can be covered through Medicaid-funded home and community-based services (HCBS). These services typically include day and residential programs that are funded by the Medicaid Waiver and provided by private nonprofit agencies in local communities.
The new rule is intended to increase opportunities for people who use home and community-based services to be part of their communities. States will not be allowed to use federal Medicaid dollars to pay for services in settings that isolate people from the community or that do not show respect for people’s right to privacy, dignity and self-determination.
To help states evaluate the services currently provided against the new settings that are required, providers are in the process of assessing their services. Families and people receiving services will participate in the assessment of the current programs. The state is creating a five-year transition plan explaining how they will modify current programs so that they are in compliance with new settings rules. Medicaid programs will be specifically designed to support services in home and community-based settings that are an alternative to institutional care and, most importantly, that emphasize the quality of individuals’ experiences in community programs.
TN released its transition plan a few months ago for public comment.
On Dec. 23, an updated version was posted for public review athttp://www.tn.gov/tenncare/
The new rule is intended to increase opportunities for people who use home and community-based services to be part of their communities. States will not be allowed to use federal Medicaid dollars to pay for services in settings that isolate people from the community or that do not show respect for people’s right to privacy, dignity and self-determination.
To help states evaluate the services currently provided against the new settings that are required, providers are in the process of assessing their services. Families and people receiving services will participate in the assessment of the current programs. The state is creating a five-year transition plan explaining how they will modify current programs so that they are in compliance with new settings rules. Medicaid programs will be specifically designed to support services in home and community-based settings that are an alternative to institutional care and, most importantly, that emphasize the quality of individuals’ experiences in community programs.
TN released its transition plan a few months ago for public comment.
On Dec. 23, an updated version was posted for public review athttp://www.tn.gov/tenncare/
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