Second Round of Grants for Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Exceeds $12 Million; Total Funding Reaches $30 Million

Today the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced the selection of 90 awardees for Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) grants that will improve services for people who are older or have a disability, helping them remain in their home or community. A total award of $12.5 million to 90 organizations marks the completion of the second round of funding made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

“After seeing such success from our first round of grantees, we’re excited to fund this next round of projects to continue the momentum,” said DHS Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson. “More supports, transportation options, and dedicated workers will improve the lives of people receiving home and community-based services around the state. And our grantees are finding innovative ways to make them happen.”

Projects will benefit members of Wisconsin Medicaid’s long-term care programs, like Family Care, IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct), the Children’s Long-Term Support Program, and others. Grantees also aim to support the workers who provide care for members. Project objectives span several categories, such as:

• Expanding access to transportation
• Increasing access to home and community-based services
• Expanding the direct care workforce
• Bolstering community integration
• Strengthening services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
• Improving the financial stability of providers
• Reforming long-term services and supports

DHS has awarded and distributed the ARPA funds across the state in both urban and rural areas to support diverse organizations and populations. Many awardees will focus on transportation to allow program members to get vital services and participate in activities in the community. Older adults and those with disabilities are disproportionately affected by lack of access, reliability, safety, and high costs of transportation options.

“Many people take for granted being able to get to medical appointments, jobs, classes, and community events,” said Medicaid Director Jamie Kuhn. “We’re proud of the immediate and sustainable impact that many of the grantee projects will have in breaking down these barriers for HCBS participants across the state.”

Visit the DHS American Rescue Plan Act: Medicaid HCBS Grants Supporting Quality and Innovation webpage to learn more about the funded awardees.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.