Rhode Island has joined alongside Tennessee, Maine, and several other states in announcing formal federal approval of an increased investment in home- and community-based services (HCBS) provided to individuals with disabilities and the elderly. The Federal Government has approved the governor’s RI Rebound plan, which funnels 10% of the $1.13 billion available through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) toward HCBS and Early Intervention programs designed for children with developmental needs. In this article, we share the details of the increased investment into the HCBS workforce, designed to improve recruitment and retention.
HCBS Investment Details
Rhode Island has committed to directing Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) funding toward workforce investments in the amount of $57.4 million. This boost is possible due to the 10% point federal match FMAP increase included in the ARP for HCBS spending.
This new investment will be divided between two key programs:
- Long Term Services and Supports Recruitment and Retention Temporary Rate Program
- Behavioral Health Recruitment and Retention Program
Allotment and eligibility for each is as follows:
DSP Compensation
The workforce-related funding will provide financial support to over 4,000 HCBS direct care workers. As part of the state’s investment plan, providers are expected to allocate 85% of their received funding toward direct service professionals (DSPs) using the following methods:
- Hiring bonuses;
- Hourly wage increases;
- Improved benefits;
- Shift differentials; and
- Funding for training or support.
Early Intervention Workforce
In addition to the HCBS investments, Rhode Island is also approved to invest over $3 million in CARES Act funds into Early Intervention programs, which will be added to the state’s already-planned $5.5 million investment.
This money will be directed toward Early Intervention providers, many of whom have struggled to recruit and retain staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds are intended not only to address hiring and retention issues, but also to help providers avoid future closures and maintain continued services for children with developmental needs.
To view the full details of Rhode Island’s plan, visit: https://eohhs.ri.gov/initiatives/american-rescue-plan-act/home-and-community-based-services-hcbs-enhancement