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 ...
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