Federal relief funds for home- and community-based services (HCBS) were originally required to be spent by 2024 when the American Relief Rescue Plan (ARPA) was signed into law. However, a recent extension now affords states an additional year to spend the money, putting the expiration in December 2025. Georgia recently announced plans for the $586 million received from ARPA. In this article, we break down the five key initiatives GA intends to fund with its ARPA spending and how it will benefit Georgians with I/DD and the elderly.
Initiative #1: Direct Service Professionals (DSPs)
Almost half the total funds received ($286 million) will be put toward pay increases for DSPs and home health workers. The goal is two-fold: two increase reimbursement rates for providers and provide temporary pay increases directly to workers.
Initiative #2: Expanding Technology
The second largest portion of spending (approximately $206 million) will be directed toward expanding technology in HCBS with the goal of increasing access to telehealth. In addition, these funds will also benefit the elderly and people with I/DD who utilize assistive technology to live more independently. This will include devices like text-to-speech readers, braille readers, magnifiers, pointers, and mobility devices.
Initiative #3: In-Home Behavioral Aides
The state will put $54 million toward supporting youth with autism through behavioral health aides. The goal behind this initiative is to reduce the number of youths with autism who are admitted to psychiatric facilities and instead provide treatment via HCBS.
Initiative #4: Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
To help with staffing needs across the state, $27 million in funds will be directed toward training more CNAs. For this initiative, the state will be collaborating with Georgia technical colleges to increase recruitment and training of qualified candidates.
Initiative #5: Supported Employment
To help Georgians with I/DD and other disabilities transition from school to work, the state plans to spend $4 million on a supported employment pilot program.
To read Georgia’s full proposal, click here.