The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) require states to seek public input when submitting an application for a renewal or an amended 1915c waiver.
The Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA) intends to submit an application for renewal of the New Freedom waiver, WA.0443. The renewal application, once approved, will allow the state to continue to provide New Freedom waiver services to eligible persons.
The New Freedom Waiver has been operating since 2005, and during waiver year 2024 it is authorized to serve up to 675 persons. The New Freedom waiver services provide an alternative to nursing home care for aged, blind, or disabled adults who live in their own homes in King or Pierce counties and want an 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.
The state is proposing the following changes in the New Freedom renewal application:
- Changes to performance measures.
- Adding a new provider type, Assistive Technology Professional, to the Training and Educational Supports service.
- Updating the maximum number of participants authorized to be served in the waiver each year.
- Through continued conversations with Area Agency on Aging (AAA) partners, ALTSA is exploring expansion of the New Freedom waiver into additional counties within the state.
A paper copy of the draft amendment is available upon request by contacting Anne Moua at the address listed below.
DSHS welcomes all comments on the draft waiver renewal. Comments may be submitted to DSHS through the website address listed above or may be mailed to Anne Moua at the address listed below. DSHS will receive comments through 5:00pm close of business on June 30, 2023.
Anne Moua, Home and Community Services Division
Aging and Long-Term Support Administration
P.O. Box 45600
Olympia, WA 98504-5600