The Funding for Providers
Providers should work directly with case managers to ensure the proper funding is selected. The case manager and their network should be a good source of knowledge regarding specific waivers and what is allowable. However, providers should not rely solely on case managers to have all of the specific waiver and funding information. It is important to go above and beyond and learn what is and what is not allowable under certain rate systems.
- Ex: who pays for internet and batteries?
In funding technology supports, waiver eligibility along with living situation and support options are taken into account to determine the specific rate framework.
State Funding - Waiver Eligible
Many waivers can be applied to fund technology supports.
- CADI (Community Access for Disability Inclusion)
- DD (Developmental Disabilities)
- BI (Brain Injury)
- CAC(Community Alternative Care)
- EW (Elderly Waiver)
- Funding may also be available under CDCS (Consumer Directed Community Supports)
Living Situations/Support Options
Below are common living situations and support options that determine the type of funding. In certain situations, it is the provider’s responsibility to secure the necessary funding, while other times case managers will have primary responsibility to verify and approve funding.
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Remote Support/Supervision: Residential Services
The person served is living in provider controlled housing Community Residential Service (CRS), or foster care.
In this scenario, funding is issued through the DWRS Rate Framework and is secured and managed by the provider. The funding is provided through remote monitoring or monitoring technology hours of supervision claimed by the provider and approved by the case manager. It is also the provider's responsibility to secure and manage services.
Learn more about Disability Waiver Rate System rate frameworks
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Remote Support/Supervision: Person in Own Home
The person served may be receiving varying degrees of supports, but s/he is living in his/her own home and not in provider controlled housing.
Providers in this situation will support case managers during planning, provide services, and assign responsibilities. Generally, equipment, installation, and technology service/support is covered under environmental accessibility adaptations and is authorized under a waiver for the technology vendor to bill. Service providers typically provide support to the person served using the technology to assist the person with prompts and reminders and to keep the service provider informed of actions or behaviors that may require attention. This type of service is covered under 24-hour emergency assistance and is described in the DHS Monitoring Technology Policy.
Learn more about 24-hour emergency assistance coverage and eligibility
Learn more about technology install, on-going management, and support for environmental accessibility adaptations
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CDCS - Consumer Directed Community Supports
CDCS are available to people on the home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers and Alternative Care (AC) program. CDCS may include traditional services and goods, and self-designed services.
The role of the provider here is to cooperate and deliver assigned services, if any.
Learn more about CDCS options
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Assistive Technology
Assistive technology includes supports that help with communication, environmental manipulation, and integration into the community.
In some cases the provider may be the primary caregiver of the individual. In this instance, the provider would be responsible for securing funding along with the case manager.
Learn more about coverage for assistive technology
Alternative Funding Options - No Waiver
There are alternative funding options available if the person served is not eligible for a waiver or is on a wait list. Options include:
Provider Investment
In some circumstances it may become necessary and/or beneficial for providers to invest in technology resources themselves. Doing so may benefit providers by being better equipped to serve their clients and in certain cases lower costs by allocating resources more efficiently.
Read how The Phoenix Residence, Inc made a case for provider investment
Medicaid
Funding through Medicaid may be available for persons served who are eligible for ICF/IDD - Intermediate Care Facility/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities for some specialized items such as wheelchairs. Case manager and/or medical professional involvement is needed to secure approval.
Learn more about MA direct funding of equipment and supplies
Next Steps
Once the proper funding channels have been procured, the team will make the move to implementation which will include installing the equipment, training, and testing.
Still have additional question about Funding? Ask one of our Mentors.
