CMS Issues Additional Resources on HCBS Settings Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released additional resources regarding the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) toolkit. The toolkit is designed to assist states in complying with the home and community-based non-residential settings regulation requirements. The newest, and reportedly last documents in the toolkit, include exploratory questions that may assist states in the assessment of Residential Settings and Non-Residential Settings; and Questions and Answers Regarding Home and Community-Based Settings.

In reviewing the additional materials, the theme of consumer choice is stressed, including the ability for a consumer to choose a more restrictive option. Additionally, it is presumed that an individual’s private home meets the criteria of an appropriate HCBS setting to receive Medicaid-covered services; however a person-centered plan should help ensure community access and integration.

There remains some fundamental questions that will most likely be addressed in the State’s transition plan, however. As we reported last month, New York will be re-issuing a draft transition plan for public comment again in the near future. Click here for more information, and LeadingAge New York’s comments on the initial draft plan.

For more information on the HCBS Settings Rule, including the regulations and the full toolkit, click here.

Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828