Forums set on federal rules for home, community-based service

(Press release) — With new federal rules in effect, the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is planning public forums and other opportunities to help interested residents learn more about expected changes to home and community-based services funded through Wyoming Medicaid.

In March, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved new rules covering provider settings for home and community-based services through special programs known as waivers. WDH programs affected by the new rules are the Child Developmental Disability, Acquired Brain Injury, Comprehensive, Supports, Assisted Living Facility and Long Term Care waivers.

The new rules require adjustments to standards for community integration, informed choice, independence, service setting characteristics and locations, and further protection of client rights.

“We realize Wyoming’s waiver clients, families and those who work with them have faced a fair amount of change and uncertainty over the last few years,” said Chris Newman, WDH Behavioral Health Division senior administrator. “However, due to these new federal rules, more changes are needed. We are reaching out to those most impacted by the rules to get their input.”

“While meeting the new federal rule requirements may not be easy for everyone involved, the ultimate goal is really a system focused on what is best for the clients,” Newman said.

States must evaluate provider settings and help ensure needed changes are made. Forums will provide information on the state’s five-year transition plan:

· Laramie, October 16, 10:30-11:45 a.m. Mega Conference, Hilton Garden Inn, 2229 Grand Avenue

· Cheyenne, October 20, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Laramie County Library Cottonwood Room, 2200 Pioneer Avenue

· Jackson, October 22, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Teton County Library Auditorium, 125 Virginian Lane

· Evanston, October 23, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Recreation Center, 275 Saddle Ridge Road

· Sheridan, October 28, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Senior Center, 211 Smith Street

· Casper, October 29, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Casper College CS-160 Nichols Auditorium, 125 College Drive

More information and an online feedback survey can be found at health.wyo.gov/ddd; a video is also expected to be posted October 21. For those unable to attend a forum, conference calls are scheduled for October 27 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; the number will be 1-877-278-8686 Code: 058448.

For more details about the state standards and transition plan, visit health.wyo.gov/ddd online, send an email to bhdmail@wyo.gov or call 307-777-6494.

WDH includes the Behavioral Health Division, which contains the Developmental Disabilities Section. This section supports Wyoming residents with developmental disabilities and their families, as well as those people, organizations and businesses providing services to these residents. Wyoming Medicaid, which is also part of the department, pays for the major developmental disability programs and also funds affected assisted living and long-term care efforts.

Wyoming Medicaid is a joint federal and state government program that pays for medical expenses and other care for some low-income and medically needy individuals and families.