HHS Announces Affordable Care Act Grants and Proposed Rule

February 22, 2011

On February 22, 2011, HHS announced the award of more than $45 million in Money Follows the Person (MFP) demonstration program grants.  These awards will allow 13 states to join the 29 states and the District of Columbia already operating MFP programs.  Slated to expire in FY11, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) extended MFP for an additional five years, committing $621 million to fund these new grantees through 2016. Additional information on the MFP demonstration program is available on CMS’ website, or by following this link.

HHS also released a proposed rule implementing Section 2401 of the ACA, which establishes a new mechanism for states to provide home and community based attendant services and supports under their state plan, through the Community First Choice (CFC) option.  Starting in October 2011, the three-year program will allow states to receive a six percent increase in federal matching funds for providing qualifying services and supports to Medicaid-eligible individuals in a community setting, in accordance with a person-centered plan.  The proposed rule is available here until February 25, when it will be published in the Federal Register.  Upon publication, the proposed rule will be accessible here.

For more information on the MFP and CFC programs, including a list of states receiving MFP grants, please see the press release.