Waiver Direct Care Staff Wage Increase

Waiver Amendments for Direct Care Staff Wage Increases Approved 

On September 18, 2017, the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) received approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services’ (BDDS) 1915(c) home and community-based services Family Supports Waiver (FSW) and Community Integration and Habilitation (CIH) Waiver amendments.  The mandated 5 percent rate increase for specific services provided under the FSW and CIH waivers with the intent to use the rate increase to increase wages for direct care staff is effective October 1, 2017.

In addition to the rate increases, Indiana Code 12-15-1.3-18(f) requires actions for all authorized providers related to notifications and use of the rate increase.  Specifically, IC 12-15-1.3-18(f) requires all providers to submit written and electronic notification of its plan to increase wages to: 1) direct care staff employed by the provider; and 2) the Office of the Secretary of FSSA within 30 days after the office implements an increase in the reimbursement rates. The 30 day period for submission of notice begins upon implementation, October 1, 2017.

 For more information regarding the plan and notice requirements, please see the previous Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services announcement: Implementation Information of Indiana Code 12-15-1.3-18 – Reimbursement Rate Increase.

 For questions, please contact: Rateincreaseplan@fssa.in.gov

   

The DDRS is a program of the Indiana Family & Social Services Administration. If you have questions about DDRS programs and services, visit us online at www.DDRS.In.gov.