d. DHS to proceed with Phase 2 of Waiver Reimagine for under 65

DHS to proceed with Phase 2 of Waiver Reimagine for under 65 2021, 1st Special Session HF33/SF37 Chapter 7, Article 13, Sections 26, 31–41, 73 HHS omnibus bill Effective: July 1, 2024, or 90 days after federal approval, whichever is later

Short description The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is required to seek federal approval to implement no sooner than July 1, 2024, a two-waiver program structure serving persons who are determined by a certified assessor to require the levels of care provided in a nursing facility, hospital, neurobehavioral hospital, or an intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities, and an individual resource allocation methodology for the medical assistance home and community-based waivers. The legislation also includes new language concerning standards for an informed decisionmaking process.

Summary DHS continues to move the Waiver Reimagine initiative forward. This language authorizes DHS to begin Phase 2 for home and community-based services (HCBS) for persons with disabilities under the age of 65.

According to DHS, during the 2021 1st Special Session, the Minnesota Legislature authorized DHS to implement the next phase of the Waiver Reimagine project to support and expand informed choices and informed decision making by: • Reshaping the four current disability waiver programs into a two-waiver structure • Transitioning to individualized budgets for people who use disability waivers • Increasing access to and options for self-directed services • Developing a web-based online support-planning tool for people with disabilities and families; the tool will provide information about their assessment, support plan, services, budgets, and resources to help them plan for services

Phase 2 public engagement DHS will continue consulting with people who receive services and other interested parties over the next several years on different aspects of the project. We will notify people who receive services and other interested parties about specific engagement opportunities as they are available. As part of the Phase 2 authorization, the legislature created the Waiver Reimagine Advisory Committee, which to help DHS implement these changes. DHS will share more information about this committee, including how to apply for membership, in late summer/fall 2021.

Tentative Phase 2 project timelines In addition to the ongoing policy and system development already under way to support Phase 2, DHS plans to complete the following work: • Fall 2021: Develop work plans and organize the Waiver Reimagine Advisory Committee • 2022: Develop waiver amendment language and receive feedback from interested parties • 2023: Conduct public comment on waiver amendments, submit waiver amendments to the federal government, develop policies and procedural guidance • 2024 and later: Begin rolling implementation of individual budgets and two-waiver system

Implications DHS continues to move forward with the consolidation of the four waivers providing services to the under 65 population with disabilities.

Providers of these services should enroll in the education and training options provided by DHS on Waiver Reimagine. The resources tab found at: https://bit.ly/3iBMORm provides a list of presentations and documents.

Care Providers of Minnesota will monitor the Waiver Reimagine Advisory Committee. Members are encouraged to apply when announced by the Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State.

Bill language https://www.revisor.mn.gov/laws/2021/1/Session+Law/Chapter/7/