In this issue

• Foundational Community Supports has new home at the Health Care Authority
• Washington recognized for positive approach to housing and employment
• New supported employment training modules available online

Events and resources

Subscribe to the Healthier Washington Feedback Network for newsletters and announcements.

Accessing Peer Support
Dec. 12, 8:30 to 10 a.m.
Register for this webinar.

The Golden Thread: Documenting Medical Necessity
Dec. 18, 8:30 to 10 a.m.
Register for this webinar.

Tools for Moving On: Preparing for Community Living
Dec. 20, 8:30 to 10 a.m.
Register for this webinar.

Follow the FCS calendar for all upcoming trainings and events. 

Previous Webinars & resources:

FCS: Connecting Housing, Employment and Health
Recording
Slides

Adding FCS to Your Organization’s Book of Business
Recording
Slides

How to Braid FCS Resources with Other Resources
Recording
Slides

Affordable Housing Basics for Washington’s Health Care Stakeholders
Recording
Slides

Strategies to Expand Housing Opportunities for Medicaid Enrollees with Complex Social and Health Needs

Learning from LA: The Historical Milestones that Launched Critical Resources to Address Homelessness

FCS Supportive Housing Participant Report (Oct. 2018)

FCS Supported Employment Participant Report (Oct. 2018)

FCS Resource Page

Pathway to Housing Website

Pathways to Employment Website

Question? Contact medicaidtransformation@hca.wa.gov 

Foundational Community Supports has new home at the Health Care Authority

Foundational Community Supports (FCS) has moved from the Health Care Authority’s (HCA) Policy Division to HCA's new Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR).

In July, DBHR moved from the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to the HCA. These changes are part of Washington's integration of physical and behavioral health Medicaid services.

DBHR has been engaged in FCS since the program's inception. The division has a wealth of expertise helping people with disabilities thrive in their homes communities.

Melodie Pazolt, DBHR's Acting Assistant Deputy Director, will oversee FCS program operations. This move will not result in changes for contracted FCS providers or FCS participants.  

Washington recognized for positive approach to housing and employment

Washington's FCS supported employment program has been recognized by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) for its positive approach to supporting people with disabilities pursue their employment goals.

CBPP is a national think tank that focuses on reducing poverty and inequality. According to CBPP, "unlike CMS' decision to allow work requirements, Washington State's waiver [FCS] shows that Medicaid can help people address their income, housing, and other life factors in ways that will improve their health outcomes."

Read the full article here.

New supported employment training modules available online

The University of Washington's Center for Continuing Education in Rehabilitation has published three new supported employment  training modules. These free, online resources are excellent tools to share with employers and supported employment specialists who are helping job seekers with disabilities. View the modules here:  

• Supporting Employees with Mental Health Conditions
• Supporting Employees with Traumatic Brain Injury
• Business Engagement Basics for VR Professionals