**************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL
Home.
(http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15&ncid=aolhom00030000000001)
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This proposed rule allows states -- which apply-- much greater flexibility to
provide and focus on community long term services and supports; but states
must apply and be approved. The proposed rule makes important changes however
it doesn't end the insitutional bias as it is for people with incomes at or
below 150% of poverty, less than the 3X SSI of most nursing home rules, and
allows States to put caps on the service covered. It is however a good step
in the right direction...
The proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register on April 4, 2008,
and will have a public comment period through June 3, 2008. Go to
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidGenInfo/Downloads/CMS2249P.pdf to view the
complete proposed rule.
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Press Releases
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Details for: THOUSANDS MORE MEDICAID ENROLLEES COULD GET HOME AND
COMMUNITY-BASED CARE UNDER NEW RULE
For Immediate Release: Monday, March 31, 2008
Contact: CMS Office of Public Affairs
202-690-6145
THOUSANDS MORE MEDICAID ENROLLEES COULD GET HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED CARE
UNDER NEW RULE
DRA GIVES STATES NEW OPTIONS FOR CARE
Thousands of Medicaid beneficiaries who were previously limited to receiving
care in an institutional setting may now be given the option to receive that
care in their homes and communities, under a proposed rule published today by
the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) gave states a new option to provide
home-and-community based services (HCBS) to Medicaid beneficiaries without
applying for a demonstration waiver. The proposed rule provides guidance to
states on how to implement this provision of the DRA.
Under this option, states will now be able to set their own eligibility or
needs-based criteria for providing HCBS. Previously, to qualify for
assistance with personal care, home health care or other services in the home
or community setting, beneficiaries were required to be at imminent risk of
institutionalization. The DRA provision eliminates this requirement and
allows states to cover Medicaid recipients who have incomes no greater than
150 percent of the federal poverty level, or $15,600 per individual in 2008,
and who satisfy the needs-based criteria.
"Thousands more Medicaid beneficiaries may now be able to opt for needed
long-term support services in their homes rather than institutions," said CMS
Acting Administrator Kerry Weems. "Breaking the historic link between
long-term care and institutions will level the playing field and give
beneficiaries new choices for how they receive care."
The proposed rule emphasizes "person centered" care, giving individuals an
active role in developing their care plans, and the "self-direction" option in
which states can allow individuals to take charge of their own services. The
services states may make available under this benefit include case management,
homemaker, home health aide, personal care, adult day health, habilitation,
and respite care. The DRA also allows states to provide special services to
individuals with chronic mental illness, including day treatment or other
partial hospitalization, psychosocial rehabilitation, and clinic services.
Under the proposed rule, states would no longer have to apply for a waiver to
provide HCBS to Medicaid beneficiaries. Under the DRA, states only need an
approved state plan amendment (SPA) satisfying the DRA criteria. Once
approved by CMS, the SPA does not need to be renewed nor is it subject to some
of the same requirements of waivers such as budget neutrality.
Since the DRA made the HCBS option available beginning in January 2007, CMS
has provided technical assistance to states wishing to move forward prior to
publication of the proposed rule. One state, Iowa , has since been granted an
HCBS SPA. Three additional states, Colorado , Nevada , and Georgia , have
requests pending under CMS review.
"We anticipate states will be eager to take advantage of this new
flexibility," Weems said. "The home and community-based services option is a
win/win opportunity, giving beneficiaries more control over their care and
allowing states to spend Medicaid resources more efficiently."
The proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register on April 4, 2008,
and will have a public comment period through June 3, 2008. Go to
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidGenInfo/Downloads/CMS2249P.pdf to view the
complete proposed rule.
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NATIONAL ADAPT MAILING LIST - Adapt Community Choice Act List
http://www.adapt.org
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