The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services gave home- and community-based services a boost Thursday with a new web page that will provide states and provider agencies one-stop-shopping for HCBS services.
The page will help agencies gather information about states’ plans to enhance, expand and strengthen HCBS services with the enhanced Medicaid funding they are receiving through the American Rescue Plan Act. States are receiving a 10% increase in federal medical assistance percentages that can be used for certain Medicaid HCBS services between April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022. The funding is part of COVID-19 relief funds designed to help support the needs of Medicaid enrollees.
“The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes the value and dignity that come with access to home- and community-based services,” Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement. “Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, we can support states working to expand access to home and community-based services for Medicaid beneficiaries. With the launch of this new online hub, we’re making it easy for states to exchange ideas on how best to care for their residents.”
CMS also announced a new Medicaid demonstration program in Alabama. The Community Waiver Program will allow more Medicaid recipients in Alabama to access home-based services and age in place.
CMS said the new website and the Alabama waiver program build on the Biden administration’s commitment to help states respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
“The ability to access health care at home or in the community is essential for many low-income families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities who rely on Medicaid services — especially during this unprecedented public health emergency,” CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure said in a statement. “Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, CMS is providing state Medicaid agencies with the tools and funding needed to expand this important care. We welcome the opportunity to work with states to expand home and community-based services to meet the needs of their communities.”
CMS has been raising its profile in the past few days, announcing plans Wednesday to streamline its Innovation Center and reduce the number of new payment models. The strategy includes focusing more on health equity, sustainability and innovation.
