August 8, 2023
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released updated guidance that will extend COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) flexibilities approved in the states' section 1915(c) home- and community-based services (HCBS) waiver Appendix K amendments. According to CMS, states have relied on these flexibilities to authorize actions in their home- and community-based services programs such as the use of telehealth or remote service provision, increased payment rates, expansion of self-direction service delivery models, addition or expansion of services and expansion of provider networks to include family members and legally responsible individuals. Read the full article.