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

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 two notices of the intent to submit SPA 23-0001 to incorporate tribal care facilities as medicaid providers. The first notice was filed under WSR 23-02-061 and advised that tribal care facilities would be incorporated as adult family homes (AFH). The second one was notification of the decision to incorporate tribal care facilities as assisted living facilities (ALF) rather than AFHs and was filed under WSR 24-07-053.

The previous notices specified that to provide CFC services, tribal care facilities would need to meet the state ALF licensing requirements. Subsequent discussions have resulted in the decision to create a new facility type for tribal care facilities that will not need to meet ALF licensing requirements, which will be reflected in SPA 24-0011. 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 expenditures/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 June 17, 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.