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HCBS Enhanced FMAP Spending Plan

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration is engaged in an ongoing initiative to work with providers and stakeholders on the best ways to capitalize on enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage funds from the American Rescue Plan to improve home- and community-based services for Medicaid beneficiaries. Below are current and previous announcements related to this initiative.

  • Build Learn Grow program December 2022 impact report

    The Indiana Family & Social Services Administration is excited to share an overview of early impacts of the Build Learn Grow Program. BLG are the projects overseen by FSSA and its divisions, and funded by federal relief dollars provided through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act and American Rescue Plan Act.

    To view the Build Learn Grow Program December 2022 Impact Report, click here.

    FSSA looks forward to the continued positive impact of these investments on the emotional, mental and physical well-being of Hoosiers. For future updates, please be sure to check this webpage.

  • HCBS Overview

    The Indiana Family & Social Services Administration is pleased to share an overview of Indiana’s HCBS Spend Plan for Section 9817 American Rescue Plan Act funds. This overview outlines the two major phases of the plan, depicts how Indiana’s planned investments will impact target populations and the provider and workforce community, and highlights a few Phase 2 targeted investments.

    To view the HCBS Overview document, click here.

  • HCBS Stabilization Grant Now Open

    Jan. 10, 2022

    The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration is pleased to announce that the Home- and Community-Based Services Stabilization Grant, as described on this page, are now open.

    HCBS providers can watch this informational video regarding the grants to obtain more information. Topics covered in the video include general background on the grants, eligible provider groups, process and timing expectations, grant methodology, and required provider attestations.

    Interested eligible providers may now submit the required Attestation Form via this link. A signed and submitted attestation form is the only required documentation to demonstrate eligibility for the grant.

    General Information

    • Background: As identified on this page, the HCBS Stabilization Grant has been made available by FSSA to support providers and frontline staff affected by the public health emergency.
    • Purpose: The purpose of the grant is both to retroactively address COVID-19-related expenses and challenges and to recognize the important work of frontline staff, including costs related to compensation and benefits, COVID-19 testing, personal protective equipment, and other COVID-19 related expenses, to allow providers to stabilize their operations.
    • Eligibility: Currently active HCBS Medicaid providers who were also active during the COVID-19 public health emergency. This is defined as HCBS Medicaid providers who (1) submitted a claims expenditure in CY2021 and (2) submitted a claims expenditure in CY2019, CY2020 and/or CY2021.
    • Attestation Process and Timing: Interested qualifying providers must submit a signed attestation form by Feb. 10, 2022 to be considered. FSSA will also establish an early deadline of Jan. 25, 2022, and attestation forms submitted before then will be reviewed and paid out early.

    For more information, please see the informational video, FAQ and presentation slides. Please direct any questions and/or feedback to hcbs.spendplan@fssa.in.gov.

  • HCBS Stabilization Grant informational video coming early January

    Dec. 27, 2021

    The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration will share an informational video in early January 2022 regarding our Home- and Community-Based Services Stabilization Grants as described in our HCBS Enhanced FMAP Spend Plan, which received conditional approval from CMS on Sept. 30, 2021. For more information, please see below.

    • Who: HCBS Medicaid Providers
    • When: Early January 2022
    • How to View: The video will be posted and available to view on this webpage

    FSSA is excited to share this update as we work to stabilize critical HCBS provider and workforce operations in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

    Topics FSSA will cover in the video include general background on the grants, process and timing expectations, grant methodology, and required provider attestations.

    Please feel free to direct any questions and/or feedback to hcbs.spendplan@fssa.in.gov.

  • HCBS Stabilization Grant Now Open

    Oct. 8, 2021

    The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration sent a letter on Oct. 7, 2021 to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in response to their letter from Sept. 30, 2021, on our Home- and Community-Based Services Enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (or “FMAP”) Spend Plan. The response letter requested that CMS confirm our ability to move forward, as well as which expenses and activities are allowable, and acceptable timing for plan implementation.

    We appreciate and are eager for your continued engagement once we receive CMS' full approval to move forward.

    To view the CMS response letter please click here.

  • Conditional approval of HCBS enhanced FMAP spend plan

    Oct. 1, 2021

    The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration is excited to share the news that we received conditional approval on Sept. 30, 2021, on our Home- and Community-Based Services Enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (or “FMAP”) Spend Plan from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services! Thank you for your input and engagement in this process, as we value your partnership.

    We will be responding to CMS to obtain confirmation on our ability to move forward, as well as which expenses are allowable, and acceptable timing for plan implementation. We appreciate and are eager for your continued engagement once we receive CMS' full approval to move forward.

    To view the conditional approval letter please click here.

    Best regards,

    Dan Rusyniak, M.D.
    Secretary
    Family and Social Services Administration

  • Indiana’s Proposed Spending Plan for Implementation of HCBS Enhanced FMAP

    July 7, 2021

    Thank you for providing thoughtful input regarding how the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration can best use enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage funds from the American Rescue Plan to improve home and community-based services for Medicaid beneficiaries. Informed by the feedback received from survey respondents and in alignment with Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services guidance, FSSA has developed Indiana’s HCBS Spending Plan to be submitted to CMS on Friday, July 9, 2021.

    As we discussed, FSSA is sharing a copy of the spending plan with our stakeholder community prior to submission, which can be found at the link here. Our spending plan initially focuses on a stabilization phase in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. In concurrent phases, thanks to your input, FSSA has identified four priority areas for our plan to effectively advance HCBS in the state of Indiana. They are as follows:

    1. Expand the workforce
    2. Enhance HCBS
    3. Build provider capacity
    4. Caregiver training and support

    Medicaid Director Allison Taylor presented a summary of the spending plan and these priority areas to the State Budget Committee on June 23. The proposals detailed in the spending plan are preliminary ideas put forth by the state of Indiana and are subject to change as the project evolves. In developing these ideas, we took care to prioritize those that appeared aligned with stakeholder feedback and were best positioned to leverage these one-time financial resources into a long-term systemic impact.

    In terms of next steps, FSSA will be hosting opportunities for continued stakeholder feedback later this summer. These opportunities will be focused on refining the proposals reflected in the spending plan and to gather feedback on key issues to address as we work toward implementation. Additional information about these opportunities will be available within the next month. We thank the stakeholder community for your dedicated engagement and thoughtful input.

    Best regards,
    Dan Rusyniak, M.D.
    Incoming Secretary, FSSA

  • HCBS Stabilization Grant Deadline Extended to Feb. 18

    The Indiana Family & Social Services Administration will be extending the deadline from February 10  to February 18, 2022, for the Home- and Community-Based Services Stabilization Grant opportunity, as described in our HCBS Enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage funds Spend Plan. Interested eligible HCBS Medicaid providers now have until February 18, 2022, to complete the required grant attestation form.

    Additionally, FSSA intends to make an update to the methodology for calculating grant amounts to ensure a more equitable approach in light of the continuing Public Health Emergency. FSSA will now calculate the grant amount as a flat percentage of each eligible provider’s highest annual claims total across calendar years 2019, 2020, and 2021. The percentage applied will remain in the previously stated range of 7-8%.

    Eligible HCBS providers can obtain more information and access resources including an informational video, presentation slides, FAQ, provider bulletin and attestation form on this webpage.

    Please direct any questions and/or feedback to hcbs.spendplan@fssa.in.gov.

  • HCBS Stabilization Grant Award Priority Payments Released

    Feb. 24, 2022

    The Indiana Family & Social Services Administration is pleased to announce the first round of Home- and Community-Based Services Stabilization Grant payments was issued to providers on February 24, 2022. Eligible HCBS Medicaid providers who completed the attestation form before Jan. 25, 2022, received their grant award in this first round of funding.

    Announced on Jan. 10, 2022, FSSA made available $173 million of Indiana’s HCBS enhanced FMAP funding, provided by Section 9817 of the American Rescue Plan Act, as HCBS Stabilization Grants. These grants were awarded to providers with a requirement to pass through at least 75% of the grant directly to their workforce. In the first round of payments, a total of $97 million was awarded to 608 HCBS providers with at least $73 million of those dollars directed to the HCBS workforce.

    Eligible providers who submitted their attestations after Jan. 25, 2022, and before the Feb. 18, 2022, deadline can expect their grant distribution in the second and final round of payments before March 31, 2022. FSSA looks forward to sharing an update on the second and final round of payments to HCBS providers in the coming weeks.
    Additional information regarding the first round of payments and stakeholder engagement can be found by clicking here. Please continue to check this webpage for future updates and direct any questions and/or feedback to hcbs.spendplan@fssa.in.gov.

  • Bariatric Ambulance Grant Program Application Deadline Extended to May 23, 2022.

    FSSA has extended the deadline to submit an application for the HCBS bariatric ambulance grant program. Applications are now due May 23, 2022.

    Additionally, FSSA has clarified if awarded a grant, providers must order vehicle by no later than October 1, 2022, and provide proof of purchase. Providers must also confirm receipt of vehicle and when it is operational to transport Medicaid members.

    An updated RFF is linked below along with a template of the annual impact report providers will be required to submit.

    The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration is pleased to announce the Bariatric Ambulance Grant, as described in our HCBS Enhanced FMAP Spend Plan, is now open to Indiana units of local government and independent ambulance operators.

    As part of FSSA’s Home and Community-Based Services Spend Plan, OMPP is issuing grants to qualifying providers to cover the cost to purchase bariatric ambulances.

    Purpose: The purpose of these grants is to improve transportation services to members residing in their home and needing non-emergent care and services within their community that requires the use of a bariatric ambulance.

    OMPP is making available a one-time, federally funded, opportunity to cover the cost to purchase bariatric ambulances at $180,000 per vehicle, and up to two vehicles per applicant, aimed at increasing non-emergency medical transportation services.

    Eligibility criteria: To be eligible for an HCBS ambulance grant RFF-2022-007, providers must meet the following criteria as of the date of grant application submission:

    • Appropriately licensed to operate ambulances and must be actively enrolled as a transportation provider in the state’s Medicaid fee-for-service NEMT program, currently administered by Southeastrans, Inc.
    • Willing to pick up members at their own residence, i.e., home, condo or apartment. Separate funding is available to assist members in addressing structural accessibility issues that may reduce/limit the ability of EMS to enter the residence with the necessary equipment.
    • Able to submit a quarterly usage report and an annual impact report to OMPP.
    • Agree to schedule and bill for services according to the state and NEMT broker policies.
    • Comply with the requirements of 2 CFR 200.313 – Equipment upon receipt of grant funds, and cooperate with the appropriate state or federal agencies to verify ongoing compliance.

    How to apply:

    • Applicants must submit a technical proposal, budget and budget narrative as outlined in the Bariatric Ambulance Grant Program RFF-2022-007 by 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on May 23, 2022.
    • Applications must be submitted to hcbs.spendplan@fssa.in.gov.

    A copy of the RFF-2022-007 with attachments and more information is available below. Questions about this funding or the application process may be directed to hcbs.spendplan@fssa.in.gov.

  • HCBS Stabilization Grants Announcement

    The Indiana Family & Social Services Administration is excited to announce that $172 million of the Home and Community-Based Services Stabilization Grant has been awarded to 1156 providers across the state. The HCBS Stabilization Grants were designed to provide immediate stabilization to Indiana’s workforce and community-based provider network.

    Announced on Jan. 10, 2022, FSSA made available $173 million of Indiana’s HCBS enhanced FMAP funding, provided by Section 9817 of the American Rescue Plan Act, as HCBS Stabilization Grants. Due to the grant requirement to pass through at least 75% of the grant directly to their workforce, at least $129 million of the awarded dollars were directed to the HCBS workforce. Providers received an 8.1% increase applied to their qualifying baseline claims expenditure for a median payment of $54,000. For more information, please see the payment FAQ.

    Looking ahead, FSSA will email a survey to all participating providers to capture how they spent the funding and the overall impact on their workforce and services.

    FSSA looks forward to continuing to provide support to Indiana’s HCBS community throughout Phase 2 as outlined in the HCBS spend plan. For future updates, please visit this webpage.

  • Wheelchair Van and Lift Grant program is now open

    The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration is pleased to announce the Wheelchair Van and Lift Grant Program, as described in our HCBS Enhanced FMAP Spend Plan, is now open to Indiana units of local government, IHCP approved public transit companies, existing IHCP transportation providers serving the state of Indiana’s Fee For Service Medicaid members, and/or new Indiana-based transportation providers willing to join the State’s network.

    As part of FSSA’s Home and Community-Based Services Spend Plan, OMPP is issuing grants to qualifying providers to cover the cost to purchase wheelchair vans and lifts.

    Purpose: The purpose of these grants is to improve transportation services to members residing in their homes and needing non-emergent care and services within their community that require the use of a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

    OMPP is making a one-time, federally funded opportunity to cover the cost to purchase wheelchair vans at $77,000 per grant and wheelchair lifts to be installed in the existing fleet at $9,000 per grant, aimed at increasing Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) services.

    Eligibility criteria: To be eligible for an HCBS ambulance grant RFF-2022-014, providers must meet the following criteria as of the date of grant application submission:

    • Active IHCP transportation providers must be appropriately licensed to operate the vehicles and must be actively enrolled as a transportation provider in the State’s Medicaid Fee-for-Service NEMT program, currently administered by Southeastrans, Inc.
    • New transportation provider applicants willing to join the above network who:
      • have submitted a letter of intent (Attachment D);
      • and started the IHCP enrollment process and if applicable by Indiana Code, have temporary motor carrier certification and have started the permanent process or permanent status as.
    • All applicants must be willing to pick up any member, not just members who are enrolled in the organization's programs and cannot require members to participate in any additional services.
    • All applicants must have an Indiana location and use the vehicles to transport Indiana residents.
    • All applicants must submit a quarterly usage report and an annual impact report to OMPP.
    • All applicants must schedule and bill for services according to the State and NEMT broker policies.

    How to apply:

    • Applicants must submit a technical proposal, budget and budget narrative as outlined in the Wheelchair Van and Lift Grant Program RFF-2022-014 by 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on July 22, 2022.
    • Applications must be submitted to hcbs.spendplan@fssa.in.gov.

    A copy of the RFF-2022-014 with attachments and more information is available below. Questions about this funding or the application process may be directed to hcbs.spendplan@fssa.in.gov.

  • Wheelchair Van and Lift Grant Program Application Deadline Extended to August 12, 2022

    FSSA has extended the deadline to submit an application for the HCBS Wheelchair Van and Lift Grant Program. Applications are now due August 12, 2022.

    Additionally, FSSA has clarified if awarded a grant, providers must order vehicle by no later than November 18, 2022, and provide proof of purchase. Providers must also confirm receipt of vehicles and lifts and when it is operational to serve homebound, Medicaid waiver members.

    An updated RFF is linked below along with a template of the quarterly report providers will be required to submit.

    The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration is pleased to announce the Wheelchair Van and Lift Grant Program, as described in our HCBS Enhanced FMAP Spend Plan, is now open to Indiana units of local government, IHCP approved public transit companies, existing IHCP transportation providers serving the state of Indiana’s Fee For Service Medicaid members, and/or new Indiana-based transportation providers willing to join the State’s network.

    As part of FSSA’s Home and Community-Based Services Spend Plan, OMPP is issuing grants to qualifying providers to cover the cost to purchase wheelchair vans and lifts.

    Purpose: The purpose of these grants is to improve transportation services to members residing in their homes and needing non-emergent care and services within their community that require the use of a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

    OMPP is making a one-time, federally funded opportunity to cover the cost to purchase wheelchair vans at $77,000 per grant and wheelchair lifts to be installed in the existing fleet at $9,000 per grant, aimed at increasing Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) services.

    Eligibility criteria: To be eligible for an HCBS ambulance grant RFF-2022-014, providers must meet the following criteria as of the date of grant application submission:

    • Active IHCP transportation providers must be appropriately licensed to operate the vehicles and must be actively enrolled as a transportation provider in the State’s Medicaid Fee-for-Service NEMT program, currently administered by Southeastrans, Inc.
    • New transportation provider applicants willing to join the above network who:
      • have submitted a letter of intent (Attachment D);
      • and started the IHCP enrollment process and if applicable by Indiana Code, have temporary motor carrier certification and have started the permanent process or permanent status as.
    • All applicants must be willing to pick up any member, not just members who are enrolled in the organization's programs and cannot require members to participate in any additional services.
    • All applicants must have an Indiana location and use the vehicles to transport Indiana residents.
    • All applicants must submit a quarterly usage report and an annual impact report to OMPP.
    • All applicants must schedule and bill for services according to the State and NEMT broker policies.

    How to apply:

    • Applicants must submit a technical proposal, budget and budget narrative as outlined in the Wheelchair Van and Lift Grant Program RFF-2022-014 by 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on July 22, 2022.
    • Applications must be submitted to hcbs.spendplan@fssa.in.gov.

    A copy of the RFF-2022-014 with attachments and more information is available below. Questions about this funding or the application process may be directed to hcbs.spendplan@fssa.in.gov.

  • HCBS Stabilization Grant Impact

    The Indiana Family & Social Services Administration is excited to announce a total of $176 million was awarded to 1,195 providers across the state as part of the Home- and Community-Based Services Provider Stabilization Grant program in the Spring of 2022. At least $132 million went directly to frontline staff due to the grant requirement for providers to pass through at least 75% of the grant directly to their workforce.
    To capture the impact of this grant on the HCBS provider and workforce community, FSSA surveyed the award recipients. Based on analysis of provider survey data, the funding impacted an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 individuals employed by HCBS providers. The survey respondents also confirmed these grant dollars were spent supporting retention and recruitment efforts and providing employee bonuses, achieving the grant’s purpose of recognizing the critical work of Indiana’s HCBS workforce.

    For more information on the overall impact of the HCBS Provider Stabilization Grant and survey results, please see the infographic linked here.

    FSSA looks forward to continuing to see the impact of these funds on Indiana’s HCBS community. FSSA is committed to continuing investments to stabilize and enhance the HCBS community as outlined in the spend plan.

  • Type II “Sprinter” Ambulance Grant Program Application Deadline Extended to February 1, 2023

    FSSA has opened a second round of funding and extended the deadline to submit an application for the HCBS Type II “Sprinter” Ambulance Grant Program. Applications are now due February 1, 2023.

    Additionally, FSSA has clarified if awarded a grant, providers must order vehicle(s)  by no later than May 31, 2023, and provide proof of purchase. Providers must also confirm receipt of vehicle(s) and when vehicle(s) are operational to serve homebound, Medicaid waiver members.

    An updated RFF is linked below along with a template of the quarterly report providers will be required to submit.

    The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration is pleased to announce the Type II “Sprinter” Ambulance Grant Program, as described in our HCBS Enhanced FMAP Spend Plan, is now open to Indiana units of local government and ambulance operators actively serving the state of Indiana’s Fee for Service Medicaid members as an active participant in our Non-Emergency Transportation Network, brokered by Southeastrans, Inc.

    As part of FSSA’s Home and Community-Based Services Spend Plan, OMPP is issuing grants to qualifying providers to cover the cost to purchase Type II “Sprinter” ambulances.

    Purpose: The purpose of these grants is to improve transportation services to members residing in their homes and needing non-emergent care and services within their community that require the use of Type II “Sprinter”  ambulances.

    OMPP is making a one-time, federally funded opportunity to cover the cost to purchase a Type II “Sprinter” Ambulance at $110,000 per vehicle, and up to two vehicles per applicant, aimed at increasing Non-Emergency Medical Transportation services.

    Eligibility criteria: To be eligible for an HCBS Type II “Sprinter” ambulance RFF-2022-018, providers must meet the following criteria as of the date of grant application submission:

    • Appropriately licensed to operate ambulances and must be actively enrolled as a transportation provider in the state’s Medicaid fee-for-service NEMT program, currently administered by Southeastrans, Inc.
    • Willing to pick up members at their own residence, i.e., home, condo or apartment. Separate funding is available to assist members in addressing structural accessibility issues that may reduce/limit the ability of EMS to enter the residence with the necessary equipment.
    • Able to submit a quarterly usage report and an annual impact report to OMPP.
    • Agree to schedule and bill for services according to the state and NEMT broker policies.
    • Comply with the requirements of 2 CFR 200.313 – Equipment upon receipt of grant funds, and cooperate with the appropriate state or federal agencies to verify ongoing compliance.

    How to apply:

    • Applicants must submit a technical proposal, budget and budget narrative as outlined in the Type II “Sprinter” Ambulance Grant Program RFF-2022-018 by 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on February 1, 2023.
    • Applications must be submitted to hcbs.spendplan@fssa.in.gov.

    A copy of the RFF-2022-018 with attachments and more information is available below. Questions about this funding or the application process may be directed to hcbs.spendplan@fssa.in.gov.

  • HCBS Provider Readiness Grant Now Open

    The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration is excited to announce the HCBS Provider Readiness Grant is now open to Indiana IHCP approved LTSS providers.

    As part of FSSA’s Home- and Community-Based Services Spend Plan, OMPP is issuing grants to qualifying providers to invest in HCBS LTSS provider success in a managed care system.

    Purpose: The purpose of the grant is to support providers as they participate in the HCBS Provider Readiness Trainings, collaborate with managed care entities for contract readiness and develop their organization’s readiness plan. FSSA recognizes the lift it takes for providers to transition to a new system and prioritizes supporting providers as they prepare for 2024.

    OMPP is awarding one-time funds at $20,000 per grant to support the implementation of a readiness project. These grant funds serve to compensate HCBS LTSS providers for time away from their day-to-day agency work and include the following areas:

    1. Complete the 7 HCBS Provider Readiness Trainings announced by OMPP before May 15, 2023.
    2. Develop and implement a readiness project that enhances your business model and leads to better health outcomes for the Hoosiers you serve

    Eligibility criteria: To be eligible for the HCBS Provider Readiness Grant, providers must be an IHCP approved HCBS LTSS provider.

    Grant requirements: Awardees are required to do the following:

    1. Submit a brief final report confirming attendance to the seven HCBS Provider Readiness Trainings and outlining the development and implementation of their readiness project by May 15, 2023. Failure to submit the final report could result in the provider having to return the funds.

    How to apply: Any interested applicant must submit an attestation form at this link by 5 p.m., Eastern Time, on October 21, 2022.

    For more information, please review the FAQ. Please submit any questions to hcbs.spendplan@fssa.in.gov.

  • HME/DME Stabilization Grant Deadline Extended to December 2, 2022

    The Indiana Family & Social Services Administration will be extending the deadline from November 18, 2022 to December 2, 2022, for the HME/DME Stabilization Grant opportunity. Interested eligible HME/DME providers now have until December 2, 2022, to complete the required grant attestation form.

    For more information and to access resources, please see the original announcement below.

    Please direct any questions and/or feedback to hcbs.spendplan@fssa.in.gov.

    The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration is pleased to announce that the Home and Durable Medical Equipment (HME/DME) Stabilization Grant is now open. This grant is intended to support HME/DME providers as part of Phase II of the Home- and Community-Based Services Spend Plan. Interested eligible providers may now submit the required Attestation Form via this link. A signed and submitted attestation form is the only required documentation to demonstrate eligibility for the grant.

    Signed attestation forms must be submitted by December 2, 2022 to be considered.

    General Information

    • Background: The Home and Durable Medical Equipment Stabilization Grant has been made available by FSSA to support HME/DME providers affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
    • Purpose: The purpose of the grant is both to address COVID-19-related expenses and challenges and to recognize the important role that HME/DME providers play in serving vulnerable Hoosiers in the home and community.
    • Eligibility: To qualify for the HME/DME grant, the Provider must comply with the following:
      • Active during Calendar Year 2021: Defined as having submitted at least $500 in claims for qualifying HME/DME paid expenditures during Calendar Year 2021
      • Currently active: Defined as currently providing services to Medicaid beneficiaries
      • Medicaid Provider that provides HME/DME services to individuals in the home and community: As of the date of attestation, providers must be an actively enrolled IHCP provider as one of the following provider types:
        • Audiologist (Type 20)
        • Hearing Aid Dealer (Type 22)
        • DME/Medical Supply Dealer (Type 25, Specialty 250)
        • HME/Home Medical Equipment (Type 25, Specialty 251)
        • Pharmacy (Type 24, Specialties 250 and 251)
    • Attestation Process and Payment Timing: Interested qualifying providers must submit a signed attestation form by December 2, 2022 to be considered. Providers must submit one complete Attestation Form for each Medicaid Provider ID. The Medicaid Provider ID is a nine-digit number. If you provide services in multiple locations, please include the letter at the end of your nine-digit Medicaid Provider ID. Funds are anticipated to be distributed before the end of January 2023.
    • Allowable Expenses: Grant funds must be used to support provider operations as they relate to HME/DME provided in home or community-based settings. Allowable expenses include but are not limited to: business operation expenses, COVID training, PPE, payroll, employee bonuses, employee benefits, shipping, transportation, etc.
      For more information, please see the FAQ and presentation slides. Please direct any questions and/or feedback to hcbs.spendplan@fssa.in.gov.
  • FSSA response letter
  • HCBS Provider Readiness Grant Deadline Extension
  • Indiana Direct Service Workforce Plan

    FSSA is committed to individuals living in their community and being supported to achieve their vision of a quality life. To achieve this commitment, a diverse, stable and well-trained direct service workforce is essential to providing quality person-centered services and support. FSSA began intensive engagement, research, and planning in fall 2021 to grow and support the direct service workforce in partnership with the Bowen Center at Indiana University. In November 2022, FSSA released the Indiana Direct Service Workforce Plan focused on three key areas: 1) wages and benefits, 2) training and pathways, and 3) promotion and planning. You can read the complete plan here.

  • Direct Service Workforce Investment Grant

    A key and critical focus of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Home- and Community-Based Services Spend Plan is on supporting our direct service workforce. To that end, we are putting the final touches on a Direct Service Workforce State plan that will include short-, mid-, and long-term strategies around wages and benefits; training and pathways; and promotion and planning.

    In advance of the DSW State Plan release, FSSA is excited to launch a critical short-term wages and benefits strategy in the form of a direct service workforce investment grant opportunity. Direct service workers are essential in providing the day-to-day, in-person HCBS supports necessary for people to live, work, and participate in their communities.  FSSA is dedicating $130 million to this opportunity with a requirement that 95% of funding awarded flow through to direct service workers.

    To receive funding, interested and eligible providers must submit an attestation form at this link by December 22, 2022.

    Purpose: The purpose of the grant is to help HCBS providers invest in their direct service workforce through financial compensation, retention, and wraparound benefits. The majority of funding will be required to go directly to the direct service workers to recognize the extraordinary impact of their work.

    Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the Direct Service Workforce Investment Grant, the provider must comply with the following:

    1. Active during State Fiscal Year 2022: Defined as having submitted claims for qualifying paid expenditures during State Fiscal Year 2022 (July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022)
    2. Currently active: Defined as currently providing services to Medicaid beneficiaries
    3. Medicaid Provider that provides services to individuals in the home and community: As of the date of attestation, providers must be an actively enrolled IHCP provider and delivering the following types of services:
      1. Adult Day Services
      2. Adult Foster Care
      3. Assisted Living
      4. Attendant Care (including Self-Directed Attendant Care)
      5. Community/Day Habilitation
      6. Extended Services
      7. Facility Based Supports
      8. Facility Habilitation
      9. Home Health Services
      10. Homemaker
      11. Participant Assistance and Care
      12. Pre Vocational
      13. Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
      14. Residential Habilitation and Support (Hourly & Daily)
      15. Respite Care
      16. Structured Family Caregiving
      17. Waiver Transportation
      18. Workplace Assistance

    Grant Requirements: Awardees are required to do the following, which providers must attest to as part of the attestation form:

    • Direct 95% of the grant funding to direct service workers
    • Develop a plan for how they will direct grant funding to direct service workers. Completed plans must be posted to the provider’s public-facing website and submitted in the attestation no later than Dec. 22, 2022.
    • Respond to a final grant impact survey that captures how the dollars were spent
    • Obligate money from each round prior to receiving the next round of funding
    • Comply fully with the HCBS Settings Rule: After the March 17, 2023 deadline, providers must be compliant in order to receive further rounds of funding. For further detail on the settings compliance, please see the FAQ to be posted on the HCBS website or the guidelines outlined by CMS.

    Methodology: FSSA intends to distribute $130 million in total funding. Payments will be a flat percentage of qualifying SFY 2022 claims expenditures for each provider. The flat percentage applied to calculate grant amounts will be established based on provider participation.

    Attestation Process and Payment Timing: The grant will be distributed in three equal payments, with the first payment round targeted for January 2023 and subsequent payment rounds expected to be in the spring and summer of 2023. Providers must complete the attestation form prior to the below stated deadline to qualify. After completing this attestation, eligible providers will receive an award notice with an estimate of their funding amount per payment round. Providers will be required to confirm they are still an active Medicaid provider before each payment round. Additional providers, or providers seeking to add additional service locations to their initial application, will not be allowed to apply after the Dec. 22, 2022 deadline.

    How to Apply: Interested and eligible providers must submit an attestation form at this link by Dec. 22, 2022.

    Providers are required to submit one complete Attestation Form for each Medicaid Provider ID. The Medicaid Provider ID is a nine-digit number. If you provide services in multiple locations, please include the letter at the end of your nine-digit Medicaid Provider ID.

    Allowable Expenses: 95% of grant funds must be directed to the direct service workforce through financial compensation, wraparound benefits, or retention.

    FSSA is planning to host a webinar on Dec. 1, 2022, at 1 P.M. ET to provide an overview of the grant. For more information on the grant or the webinar, please see FAQ and look out for further communication from FSSA. Please submit any questions to hcbs.spendplan@fssa.in.gov.

  • HCBS Settings Rule Grant Now Open for Eligible Providers

    The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration is pleased to announce that the HCBS Settings Rule Grant is now open. This grant is intended to award funds to eligible Medicaid waiver providers in support of their ongoing efforts to comply with the federal Home- and Community-Based Services Settings Rule.

    General Information

    • Background: In advance of the March 2023 Settings Rule compliance deadline, the Division of Aging is making the HCBS Settings Rule Grant funds available by to support the compliance efforts of eligible providers.
    • Purpose: To assist with the expenses of staff time necessary to update and implement policies, as well as to address any physical modifications to a provider site.
    • Eligibility: Providers currently engaged with a Settings Rule evaluator to finalize compliance or remediate issues for compliance are eligible for funds. The Division of Aging will email providers an eligibility letter and invitation to attest interest in the grant funds.

    For more information, please see the eligibility letter. Please direct any questions and/or feedback to hcbs.spendplan@fssa.in.gov.