Developmental Disabilities Division (DDD)

On 5/13/2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued long-awaited guidance on how states can receive additional funding, provided through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP), to increase access to home and community based services (HCBS) for Medicaid beneficiaries.

As described by CMS, the additional federal funding made available under the ARP allows states to tailor HCBS enhancements based on the needs and priorities of its residents, while protecting and strengthening the HCBS workforce, safeguarding financial stability for HCBS providers, and accelerating long-term services and supports reform and innovation.

The amount of funding to be received for Hawaii’s Waiver for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD Waiver) is still being determined, but will likely to exceed $30 million, which can be spent over three years. An initial spending plan is due to CMS on June 12, 2021.

DDD is seeking input into how Hawaii should spend these additional dollars to enhance, expand, and strengthen the I/DD waiver.