The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) approved the renewal application for the New Freedom waiver, WA.0443, on September 24, 2024. With the approved renewal application, the state is allowed to continue to provide New Freedom waiver services to eligible persons. The New Freedom waiver renewal is effective January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2029.
The New Freedom waiver has been operating since 2005. Its’ services provide an alternative to nursing home care for people who are older adults, blind, or have a disability who live in their own homes in King, Pierce, Spokane, Whitman, Stevens, Pend Oreille, and Ferry counties and want increased choice and control over their services and supports through a budget-based program. This program provides flexibility to adjust services and allows participants to exercise more decision-making authority and to take a primary responsibility in obtaining services. Services in this waiver include Personal Assistance Service, Treatment and Health Maintenances Supports, Individual Directed Goods, Services, and Supports, Environmental and Vehicle Modifications, and Training and Educational Supports.
Changes to the New Freedom waiver in the renewal application include:
- Expanded the eligible service area to now include Spokane, Whitman, Stevens, Pend Oreille, and Ferry counties.
- Revisions and updates to several performance measures.
- Added a new provider type, Assistive Technology Professional, to the Training and Educational Supports service.
For more information, read the approval letter from CMS.
Questions? Please contact:
Anne Moua, Anne.Moua@dshs.wa.gov