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December 4, 2017
After an extended
approval process, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved
the launch of supportive housing and supported employment services.
These services,
collectively called Foundational Community Supports (FCS), are part of the Medicaid
Transformation Demonstration. They are designed to help the most vulnerable
people enrolled in Washington’s Apple Health (Medicaid) program find and keep stable
housing and employment. Services will begin in January, and roll out over the
first six months. By mid-year, they should be available in all regions.
Supportive housing services will:
- Assess the housing needs of Apple Health clients.
- Identify housing resources.
- Help develop clients’ independent living skills so they can remain in stable housing.
Supported employment
services provide:
- Employment assessments.
- Application assistance, community resources and employer outreach.
- Education, training and coaching to maintain employment.
Marc Provence, director
of Medicaid Transformation for the Health Care Authority, explained that the
extended approval process was due in part to the groundbreaking nature of the
services, which link housing and employment to health.
“Washington is
among the first states in the nation to act upon the evidence that social
conditions –homelessness, unemployment, hospitalization and incarceration – are
tied inextricably to health,” Provence said. “With these programs in place, we can
provide important foundations for good health while we improve health care.”
Responding to the
news, Chris Imhoff, director of the Division of Behavioral
Health at the state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), said “The approval of these
benefits helps ensure that people with behavioral health conditions receive the
services to help them not only live in their communities but also to be a part of their community. A job, a home
and community are essential components to recovery.”
Bea Rector, DSHS director of Home
and Community Services Division, noted, “This opportunity allows for important services that will provide
the option of working to those we serve who want to return to work. At the
same time, we are expanding the services available to help individuals stay
housed and receive services in their setting of choice. These are important
services for individuals with disabilities to be fully integrated in our
communities.”
Amerigroup Washington
is under contract with HCA to oversee the delivery of supportive housing and
supported employment services.
In advance of the
January launch, Amerigroup has begun contacting and contracting with providers.
In this context, providers can come from behavioral health organizations,
social services, hospitals and health centers, and community-based
organizations. Building and maintaining robust provider networks will be an
ongoing process throughout the state’s Medicaid Transformation Demonstration and beyond.
Providers
interested in learning about participating can contact Amerigroup at FCSTPA@amerigroup.com or call 844-451-2828.
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