States are now eligible to receive additional federal Medicaid matching funds if they select the Community First Choice (CFC) Option, also referred to as a 1915(k) State Plan Amendment. The 1915(k) State Plan Amendment provides assistance with activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and health-related functions through hand-on assistance, safety monitoring or supervision, and cueing. By selecting this option, our state will improve access to home and community-based services, improve compliance with the Olmstead decision, and draw down additional federal funds.

A number of states have already begun the process. In fact, California and Lousiana have already moved forward with their State Plan Amendments. Arkansas, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington have all indicated that they will be selecting the CFC Option.

In case you are not yet familiar with the 1915(k) State Plan option, I have included ADAPT’s Fact Sheet with this letter. If you need additional copies, it is also available online at: http://ly.adapt.org/cfcfacts

I have called your office and requested a meeting to discuss the state selecting the Community First Choice Option. I understand that our state would need to expand the availability of services by selecting the CFC Option, but I believe the enhanced federal match would offset those additional costs. I look forward to meeting with you in the next few weeks when we can review the state’s analysis of this. To schedule the meeting, you can me at 860-555-1234.

Sincerely,

Ray Hakit