In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, states were granted a temporary 10% increase in enhanced federal funding (Federal Medical Assistance Percentage, or FMAP) for HCBS through Section 9817 of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). To promote thoughtful, equitable, and sustainable investment, our client engaged Ikaso to provide strategic and operational support.
The Challenge
States were given a tight timeframe from CMS to develop a stakeholder-informed HCBS spending plan, spend the funding responsibly, and begin to implement longer-term projects serving multiple populations.
The Outcome
Our team supported initial governance structure development and strategy, including stakeholder outreach and drafting of the client’s federally-approved HCBS spending plan. Additionally, we helped develop the methodology for, and facilitated the distribution of, an immediate provider relief grant effort. We continue to provide project management including guidance on areas such as budgeting, stakeholder communications, progress monitoring, outcomes development and tracking, and procurement support.
Values-Centered Approach
Our work on this project exemplifies the Ikaso values of excellence and collaboration as we work closely with the full client team, from executive leadership to program staff, to proactively identify potential needs and creatively propose solutions. As our team navigates this project, we design each facet of our work toward meeting outcome targets that focus on improving the health and well-being of the families and communities that our client serves.
Highlighted Results
Federal approval of the client state’s HCBS spending plan
50+ unique projects supported by the funding
43 unique client team members supported
