Public Comments on Waiver Transition Plans Are Due December 29

Background Information:

There are new federal regulations for all Medicaid home and community-based waivers. The new regulations have requirements for person-centered planning, which became effective earlier this year on March 17, 2014. The new regulations also describe how waiver settings must be integrated in the community. Click here for more information.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) (formerly, Department of Public Welfare) has to submit to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) a draft transition plan for making sure all waiver settings are integrated in the community.

In June 2014, DHS submitted a draft transition plan to CMS for the Aging, Attendant Care, and Independence Waivers. In August 2014, CMS told DHS to submit a revised transition plan with clarification on anticipated benchmarks and time frames.

DHS’s revised transition plans are now out for public comment. There is also a transition plan for the AIDS Waiver. DHS is also proposing amendments for these four waivers.

 

Public Input:

Public comments are due to the Department of Human Services (DHS) by Monday, December 29. Click here for the draft transition plans, proposed waiver amendments, and information on how to submit written comments to DHS. Click here for the public notice.

DHS is also holding a webinar for public input and discussion on Wednesday, December 10 at 1:00 p.m. Click here and go to the bottom of the page, under “Public Input,” for information on how to connect to the webinar.

 

Final Note:

DHS still has to submit a transition plan to CMS for all waivers by March 17, 2015 at the latest. There will be a public comment period for this transition plan for all waivers. The Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania will send out information when it becomes available early next year.

If you have questions, please contact:

Chava Kintisch, Esquire
Director of Civic and Government Affairs
Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania
ckintisch@drnpa.org
(215) 238-8070, extension 210
www.drnpa.org
Offices in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh