H.R. 4029: To provide for an emergency increase in Federal funding to State Medicaid programs for expenditures on home and community-based services.

This bill aims to enhance federal funding for state Medicaid programs specifically for home and community-based services (HCBS). Here’s a breakdown of its key components:

Increased Federal Funding

The bill proposes a temporary increase of 10 percentage points in the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for states that provide home and community-based services during the fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This means that the federal government will cover a larger portion of the costs incurred by states for these services, up to a maximum federal contribution of 95 percent.

Eligibility Criteria for States

States that want to benefit from this increased funding must submit an application to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, detailing:

• Planned activities for implementing HCBS programs.
• Assurances that federal funds will be spent appropriately and will enhance, not replace, existing state funding.

Focus Areas for Improvement

The bill outlines several areas where states should focus their efforts using the additional funds, including:

• Increasing reimbursement rates for agencies providing home health and support services.
• Providing paid leave benefits for home health workers.
• Offering incentives like hazard pay and competitive salaries to retain and attract workers.
• Implementing increased access to HCBS for individuals on waiting lists.
• Purchasing necessary supplies and equipment to support service delivery.

Oversight and Evaluation

States receiving funds will be required to report on their use of the additional financial resources and demonstrate how many individuals benefited from these programs. Furthermore, the Secretary will conduct evaluations to assess the overall effectiveness of these initiatives and ensure that they meet program goals.

Supporting Additional Services

States are encouraged to collaborate with local agencies and organizations to enhance service delivery, which may include:

• Providing training for workers.
• Offering communication assistance for eligible individuals.
• Facilitating the transition of individuals from institutional settings back into their homes.

Deadline for Use of Funds

Funds obtained through this increase must be utilized by September 30, 2029, to ensure timely and effective implementation of the planned services and activities.

Relevant Companies

None found