CMS Provides More Guidance on HCBS Settings Rule Implementation

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released additional information to assist states in preparing to submit their Statewide Transition Plans in conjunction with the new Medicaid regulations for residential and non-residential home and community-based settings. LeadingAge NY is reviewing the new information and will provide a more in-depth analysis shortly. The toolkit is fairly prescriptive and there is a clear theme of transparency.

In New York, DOH also drafted a transition plan and LeadingAge NY has submitted comments, which can be viewed here. Since New York is one of the first states to develop a draft plan, it is unclear if this new guidance will result in further modification. The plan has been posted in the State Register, providing the public with another opportunity to comment. Comments will be accepted until Sept. 30, 2014, and should be sent with “HCBS Settings Comment” in the subject field to DOH's Mark Kissinger at: mark.kissinger@health.state.ny.us or OLTCDHCBS@health.state.ny.us. 

For more information and background on this issue, including the federal regulations and the State's draft plan, click here.

Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, or Cheryl Udell, cudell@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8383