The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) hereby affords the public notice to solicit information from a broad spectrum of interested parties and individuals regarding the potential use of enhanced home and community-based services (HCBS) funding that is available to states through Section 9817 of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).[1]

Interested organizations and individuals are invited to provide DMAS with information and recommendations for DMAS to use when considering programmatic changes as part of the implementation of Sec. 9817 ARPA Federal funds.  Feedback should focus on strategies that may be supported by one-time or time-limited investments aimed at activities to address state COVID-related HCBS needs or activities aimed at building capacity in the broader Medicaid HCBS system. Feedback should be limited to areas that meet the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidance, which can be found at: https://www.medicaid.gov/federal-policy-guidance/downloads/smd21003.pdf.

In general, funds may be used to support the following actions:

1. Increase access to HCBS services and supports
2. Invest in technology and HCBS infrastructure
3. Improve or support high-quality care and the member experience with HCBS services
4. Develop and build the HCBS workforce, including recruitment and retention strategies

Pursuant to HB 1800 Item 313.FFFFFF, DMAS is especially interested in receiving feedback and recommendations for funding regarding Developmental Disability Waiver providers that “have experienced a significant disruption in operations and revenue during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).”

DMAS will use the feedback collected to inform its budgetary proposals.  The Commonwealth will take into account the federal rules when finalizing the implementation plan for use of the ARPA funds.

Please submit your response on the public comment forum attached to this notice (https://townhall.virginia.gov/L/generalnotice.cfm); or by email (to Brian Campbell, Brian.Campbell@dmas.virginia.gov); or via mail (to Brian Campbell, DMAS, 600 E. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219) by June 30, 2021.  All comments will be posted on the Town Hall website.  We encourage you to respond and thank you in advance for your feedback.