CMS Proposed Community First Choice Rule

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On February 25th, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a proposed rule in the Federal Register to implement a new Community First Choice Option.  Under Section 2401 of the Affordable Care Act, this proposed rule establishes a new State option to provide home and community-based attendant services and supports through a new section of 1915 (k) to the Social Security Act.  The goal of this new option is to give States additional resources to make community living a first choice.

Starting in October, this option will allow States to receive a six percent increase in federal matching funds for providing community-based attendant services and supports to people with Medicaid.  Over the next three years—through 2014—States could see a total of $3.7 billion in new funds to provide these services.  Under this new option, States will provide consumer controlled, person-centered home and community-based attendant supports to individuals on a statewide basis.  The person-directed plans and services will be developed in a manner that is most integrated and appropriate to the individual’s needs, without regard to age, type or nature of disability, severity of disability, or form of home and community-based attendant services and supports the individual requires in order to lead an independent life. 

To find out more about the Community First Choice option and to review the proposed rule implementing this section, please visit: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-02-25/pdf/2011-3946.pdf

Comments for this proposed rule are due to CMS by April 26, 2011.