DEPARTMENT: Social Services-Aging & Disability Services
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
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Home And Community Based Services Update
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Receive an update on Dakota County’s lead agency role with home and community-based aging and disability services.
SUMMARY
Waiver and Alternative Care (AC) programs provide home and community-based services (HCBS) to meet the needs of people with disabilities and older adults. Minnesota developed HCBS waivers to meet the needs of people who choose to receive services and supports in their home or community, rather than in an institutional setting. For eligible people, these service options are available in addition to services covered by Medical Assistance (MA).
Each waiver/AC program is based on an agreement between DHS and the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that complies with federal requirements. These agreements are called waiver plans or AC protocols. Waiver plans outline populations served, service and provider standards, rate methodology, statewide oversight, fair-hearing rights, quality improvement strategies and safeguards to ensure people’s health, safety and well-being.
Counties, as lead agencies, administer the programs and providers deliver services within the requirements of the programs. Lead agency roles include determining financial and program eligibility using standardized MnCHOICES assessment; providing ongoing case management/care coordination; helping the person access, coordinate and evaluate services; providing information to help people make informed choices; completing required assessments and reassessments; monitoring provision of services; authorizing services; entering screening and service authorizations into state systems; and working in partnership with DHS.
Staff will provide an overview of HCBS programs; outline the County lead agency role; describe trends, challenges, opportunities; and highlight legislative issues impacting the county role with HCBS.
OUTCOMES
2024 Data Indicators:
How much?
• 1,908 initial MnCHOICES assessments completed
• 6,361 MnCHOICES reassessments completed within timeline for annual eligibility redetermination
• 7,300 case management cases (point in time) served by County or County-contracted agencies
• $560 million in annual waivered services authorizations
How well?
• 1,765 intakes waiting in the queue for assessment (point in time), which results in increased wait times for MnCHOICES assessment
• 100 percent of reassessments completed within timelines ensuring those receiving HCBS and AC do not have disruption of services
Is anyone better off?
• Older adults and people with disabilities who receive HCBS remain in home and community-based settings, rather than in institutional services, at a rate of 95 percent compared to statewide average of 90.6 percent
• 84 percent of survey respondents reported they were better off due to HCBS services/supports provided by Dakota County
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Information only; no action requested.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
None.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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Information only; no action requested.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Presentation Slides
BOARD GOALS
☒ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACTS
Department Head: Emily Schug
Author: Katherine Kreager-Pieper