Public Comment Opportunity – Proposed Rate Methodology for the Consolidated and P/FDS Waiver Renewals

Friends –

See below for an important announcement regarding a public comment period for the proposed rate methodology for Consolidated and Person Family Directed Supports and Services waiver.  Comments are due to the Office of Developmental Programs by March 21, 2017.

The proposed rate structure can be found here:

http://www.dhs.pa.gov/provider/developmentalprograms/2017waiverrenewals/index.htm

Comments can be submitted by email to:  ra-ratesetting@pa.gov or mail to:

Department of Human Services
Office of Developmental Programs
Division of Provider Assistance and Rate Setting, 4th Floor
625 Forster Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120

Dear Colleagues:

Please help the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) to widely distribute the communication “Announcement 014-17:  Public Comment Opportunity:  Appendices I and J of the Consolidated and Person/Family Directed Support Waiver Renewals Effective July 1, 2017.”

Audience:  Individuals and families, Administrative Entities, Supports Coordination Organizations and Providers of Consolidated or Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) Waiver services.

Purpose:  To announce that the proposed renewals to Appendices I and J of the Consolidated and Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) Waivers are available for public review and comment.  Appendix I contains Information about financial accountability and Appendix J contains Information regarding the cost neutrality demonstration.  There is a 30-day Public comment period on the information proposed in Appendices I and J that starts on February 18, 2017 and ends on March 21, 2017.

Discussion:   The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is pleased to announce the opportunity for public comment on Appendices I and J of the Consolidated and P/FDS waivers.  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approves waivers for a five-year period.  The current Consolidated and P/FDS waivers expire on June 30, 2017.  As such, ODP must submit renewals for these two waivers to CMS no later than March 30, 2017.  The waiver renewals are anticipated to be effective on July 1, 2017.

Please review the announcement for details on the substantive changes that are being considered, information about required registration for webinars and information on how to submit comments.

Thank you for your assistance.

Hope Pesner
Human Services Program Specialist