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New resources released last week by the federal government are geared toward helping states understand and implement existing policies affecting home- and community-based services, including those offered in assisted living settings.

Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, unveiled a suite of new resources meant to improve federal and state oversight of Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program managed care programs.

One of those resources is a toolkit to support program monitoring for Medicaid enrollees in managed long-term services and supports — specific managed care programs to ensure that more people with long-term care needs transition from institutions to home- and community-based settings, including assisted living.

According to HHS, the toolkit was developed in response to MLTSS growth and federal oversight concerns about access to services and quality of care.

Argentum Vice President of Government Relations Paul Williams told McKnight’s Senior Living that the resources and toolkit provide guidance to state Medicaid agencies on expectations to states about everything from assessments to the grievance process to the type of information the Medicaid program expects.

He added that the overriding principle in the toolkit — which should be the goal for every Medicaid program — is to target transitioning individuals from institutions into the lowest level of care, including HCBS settings provided through assisted living waiver programs. The toolkit also highlights examples of states that were able to achieve each objective, including through assisted living, providing a model for other states.

Williams said that the process will provide more data and metrics on how states are doing overall, in relation to HCBS LTSS. 

American Seniors Housing Association President and CEO David Schless told McKnight’s Senior Living that ASHA appreciates CMS’ efforts to ensure that Medicaid beneficiaries enrolled in managed care have timely access to the services they need, including assisted living.

CMS announced adjustments to the implementation of its HCBS final rule in May. Although the agency is keeping the March 17, 2023, compliance deadline, it made accommodations to states and providers due to workforce challenges related to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The federal government said that it issued the HCBS final rule in January 2014 to help ensure that beneficiaries of Medicaid-supported HCBS programs, including those living in senior living communities, have full access to services in settings that are integrated into the community rather than in institutional settings, such as skilled nursing facilities. Some assisted living communities provide HCBS to their residents through Medicaid waivers.