Money Follows the Person FY 2011 Grant Announcement Confirms Greater Inclusion of Assisted Living

The federal government’s initial invitation to apply for Money Follow the Person (MFP) grants for FY 2011 includes language that broadens the types of assisted living communities that can qualify to participate under the program. Released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in late July, the MFP grant announcement includes revised guidance, released by the agency one year ago, on residential settings that can qualify under MFP grants.

AHCA/NCAL reported CMS’ issuance of revised policy guidance in August 2009 in Regulatory Update and included the revised policy guidance in NCAL's national report on Medicaid policy and payment for assisted living released in September 2009. NCAL and other assisted living advocates have been urging CMS to include assisted living to the greatest degree possible under the MFP statute – and under the Medicaid program in general.

In the initial announcement for apply for 2011 MFP grants, CMS states that, although separation of housing and services often allows for greater levels of self-direction for MFP participants, “some persons may prefer services and supports that are an integral component of their home in the community. Therefore, this Qualified Residence Guidance is intended to support a variety of living situations, including supportive housing arrangements.” CMS goes on to emphasize that all residences should “honor personal choice and control of the MFP participants’ home and afford opportunities for independence and community integration.”

Under the $1.75 billion MFP program, states may receive an enhanced Medicaid federal medical assistance percentage for 12 months for “qualified” home and community-based services for each person transitioned from an institution to the community. CMS’ initial announcement for 2011 MFP funding can be found at:
www.cms.gov/CommunityServices/Downloads/MFP2011SolicitationFinalJuly29RH.pdf.