NOTICE OF PROPOSED CHANGES ON MEDICAID COVERAGE, MEDICAID PAYMENT RATES, & THE MEDICAID PROGRAM (INDIVIDUALIZED SUPPORTS WAIVER, COMMUNITY FIRST CHOICE, LONG TERM SERVICES & SUPPORTS TARGETED CASE MANAGEMENT) IN THE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
BRIEF DESCRIPTION The Department of Health & Social Services proposes to change regulations on Medicaid coverage that includes adding new chapters that establish the community first choice program and targeted case management services and new sections; and related Medicaid payment rates. | |
The Department of Health & Social Services proposes to adopt regulation changes in Title 7 of the Alaska Administrative Code, dealing with Medicaid coverage, Medicaid payment rates, and the Medicaid Program, including the following:
- Title 7 is proposed to be changed as follows: Add a new chapter, 7 AAC 127, titled Community First Choice, to establish the Community First Choice program. The program includes the application process, terms of program eligibility and enrollment, covered and excluded services, process for service authorization, requirements for provider certification and service delivery, and review and appeal rights for recipients.
- Title 7 is proposed to be changed as follows: Add a new chapter, 7 AAC 128, titled Targeted Case Management for Long Term Services and Supports that specifies the targeted case management services for which the department will pay.
- 7 AAC 130 is proposed to be changed as follows: Includes adding a new section that identifies two waiver options, the services available and limitations for each, the eligibility criteria and process for being placed on one of the two waivers. Amend sections to include adding payment and specifications for care coordination services provided to individuals on waivers.
- 7 AAC 145 is proposed to be changed as follows: Includes adding a new section that specifies targeted case management payment rates. Amend payment rates for waiver care coordination services.
- 7 AAC 160 is proposed to be changed as follows: Adopt new or amend documents adopted by reference.
You may comment on the proposed regulation changes, including the potential costs to private persons of complying with the proposed changes, by submitting written comments to Ms. Jetta Whittaker at P.O. Box 110680., Attention: Jetta Whittaker, Juneau, AK 99811-0680. Additionally, the Department of Health & Social Services will accept comments by facsimile at (907) 465 1170 and by electronic mail at jetta.whittaker@alaska.gov. The comments must be received not later than 5 p.m. on November 27, 2017.
Oral or written comments may also be submitted an a public hearing to be held on November 15, 2017, at the Atwood Building, Room Number 102, 550 West 7th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501. You may also join the oral public hearing by teleconference by calling 1-800-315-6338 (pin number: 34773737#). The hearing will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and might be extended to accommodate those present before 4:30 p.m. who did not have an opportunity to comment.
You may submit written questions relevant to the proposed action to Ms. Jetta Whittaker at jetta.whittaker@alaska.gov or at 240 Main Street, Suite 601, Juneau, Alaska 99811-0680. The questions must be received at least 10 days before the end of the public comment period. The Department of Health & Social Services will aggregate its response to substantially similar questions and make the questions and responses available on the Alaska Online Public Notice System and at http://dhss.alaska.gov/dsds/Pages/default.aspx .
If you are a person with a disability who needs a special accommodation in order to participate in this process, please contact Jetta Whittaker at (907) 465-1605 (voice) or via Alaska Relay at 711 or (800) 770-8973; or via email to jetta.whittaker@alaska.gov; or via fax to (907) 465-1170, not later than November 8, 2017, to ensure that any necessary accommodations can be provided.
A copy of the proposed regulation changes is available on the Alaska Online Public Notice System and by contacting Ms. Jetta Whittaker at jetta.whittaker@alaska.gov or at (907) 465-1605.
A copy of material proposed for adoption by reference may be viewed at the agency's office at 240 Main Street, Suite 601, Juneau, AK 99811-0680.
After the public comment period ends, the Department of Health & Social Services will either adopt the proposed regulation changes or other provisions dealing with the same subject, without further notice, or decide to take no action. The language of the final regulation may be different from that of the proposed regulation. You should comment during the time allowed if your interests could be affected.
Statutory authority: AS 47.05.010; AS 47.05.012; AS 47.07.030; AS 47.07.036; AS 47.07.040; AS 47.07.045; AS 47.07.055.
Statutes being implemented, interpreted, or made specific: AS 47.05.010; AS 47.05.012; AS 47.07.030; AS 47.07.036; AS 47.07.040; AS 47.07.045; AS 47.07.055.
Fiscal information: It is estimated that the proposed regulation changes will require increased appropriations (in thousands of dollars) as follows: FY18, $6,183.9; FY19, $12,003.6; FY20, $12,003.6.
DATE: October 20, 2017.
/s/Jon Sherwood
Deputy Commissioner
Department of Health & Social Services