In this series, MediSked experts explain the latest transitions in the home and community-based services industry and what’s to come in the future of each state.
Background: HCBS Final Rule
In 2014, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued its HCBS Final Rule statement, which established requirements for states regarding waivers services. This includes requirements for conflict-free case management for Medicaid beneficiaries obtaining home and community-based services (HCBS), meaning that case management activities, including the assessment and coordination of services, must be independent from the delivery of HCBS services. The current deadline for states to comply with the Final Rule is March 17, 2023. Indiana got out ahead of this deadline through their implementation of a new program.
Indiana BDDS Waiver Redesign
In May of 2021, Indiana and the Bureau of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (BDDS) launched efforts to redesign the way they provide case management for individuals receiving waiver services. The goal of this undertaking is to provide integrated support and services within the context of person, family, and community.
After various stakeholder reviews and community informational meetings, both virtual and in-person, the state selected six organizations to support individuals in Indiana:
- Connections Case Management
- The Columbus Organization
- Indiana Professional Management Group
- Unity of Indiana
- CareStar of Indiana
- Inspire Case Management
Implementating a new program in 2022 can be a real challenge, especially when it involves any large number of individuals, plus the ever-complex and challenging world of HCBS. Change is always hard, but Indiana is pushing for services and case management structures that could prove to be a real benefit to its communities.
The program’s guiding principles are:
- Increase Person-Centered Planning
- Improve Coordination of Care
- Increase Community Engagement
- Enhance Member Experience
- Maintain Qualified Providers
- Comply with HCBS Rule
- Promote Efficiency
Case management is a required service in Indiana, so creating innovative and focused solutions directly benefits those receiving services. Also, the Indiana Social Services Administration has guaranteed that all chosen providers are state-wide, individuals can follow their case manager to any company they choose, and there will be no change or loss in services.
Although there is federal pressure to put together a conflict-free system, case management is truly about the individuals being supported. The program is still in its infancy, and it will take time to analyze the effectiveness of it.
Software for Indiana Case Management
Indiana’s Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services is interested in modernizing and consolidating the BDDS case management technology systems. MediSked’s software solutions can improve how information is shared and accessed among teams and can even integrate with other systems so that everyone is on the same page. MediSked helps case management organizations across the country to improve quality and outcomes for the individuals they support. Learn more about MediSked’s solutions for Indiana here!
