WSR 24-07-053

HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY

[Filed March 14, 2024, 10:33 a.m.]

Title or Subject: Medicaid State Plan Amendment (SPA) 24-0011 Community First Choice Tribal Care Facilities.

Effective Date: April 1, 2024.

Description: In recognition of tribal sovereignty and state law, the health care authority (HCA) and the department of social and health services (DSHS) intend to submit SPA 24-0011 to incorporate tribal care facilities as medicaid providers of the community first choice (CFC) program.

HCA and DSHS previously filed notice of the intent to submit SPA 23-0001 to incorporate tribal adult family homes (AFH) under WSR 23-02-061. Subsequent to that notice, the decision was made to incorporate tribal care facilities rather than AFHs as medicaid providers.

To provide CFC services, tribal care facilities will meet the state assisted living facility licensing requirements. The federally recognized tribe will perform initial inspections, routine inspections, and complaint investigations for tribal care facilities. Tribal care facilities will be paid an enhanced rate for providing culturally relevant personal care services.

Tribal care facilities are a new provider type and because they will have an enhanced rate, SPA 24-0011 is expected to increase the annual aggregate expenditure/reimbursement/payment for services. However, at this time HCA and DSHS have not finalized a payment structure.

SPA 24-0011 is under development. HCA and DSHS would appreciate any input or concerns regarding this SPA. To request a copy of the SPA when it becomes available or submit comments, please contact the person named below by April 15, 2024 (please note that all comments are subject to public review and disclosure, as are the names of those who comment).

[Contact:] Anne Moua, Waiver Program Manager, Aging and Long-Term Support Administration, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 509-590-3909, TRS 711, fax 360-438-8633, email Anne.Moua@dshs.wa.gov, website www.dshs.wa.gov.