The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), today took another critical step to improve access to home-and community-based services (HCBS) by reminding states of tools to better connect direct support workers to individuals receiving Medicaid-covered HCBS, such as individuals with disabilities and older adults.
The agency’s new guidance focuses on building and maintaining worker registries — worker management platforms that make qualified health workers easier to find — so more individuals receiving Medicaid-covered services can receive care in a setting of their choice.
The guidance also notes significant federal funding available to help states build these registries thanks to President Biden’s American Rescue Plan (ARP).
Read the full CMS Press Release here.