A message from the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP):

On February 3, 2021, the Department announced temporarily enhanced rates for Community Participation Supports and Transportation Trip services applied for services rendered January 1 through June 30, 2021. The end dates for the temporary rates were programmed in the Home and Community Services Information System (HCSIS) as per the timeframe published in the PA Bulletin; therefore, rates effective July 1, 2021 reverted to the previously published rates for these services.

In May 2021, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published SMD# 21-003 RE: Implementation of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Section 9817: Additional Support for Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) during the COVID-19 Emergency. The requirements outlined in this SMD include the use of the federal funds attributable to the increased federal medical assistance percentage rate for certain Medicaid expenditures for HCBS to supplement existing state funds expended for Medicaid HCBS in effect as of April 1, 2021. The Department is meeting with CMS to discuss the impact this guidance has, if any, on the temporary enhanced rates.

Information will be shared with providers as soon as possible.

Thank you.