Make an Impact
Make a Public Comment on the Medicaid Waivers
A public comment is when someone shares their opinion or feedback on a proposed government action, like a new rule or policy. It’s a way for people to voice their thoughts, ask questions, or suggest changes before decisions are made. A comment can be as brief as a sentence, address specific aspects, or respond to all aspects of a proposed regulation.
Even if your comments don’t lead to changes in the regulation, they still play an important role in potential lawsuits. Your feedback helps build the official record that government agencies must review when finalizing a rule or regulation. Government agencies are required to take public comments into account. If they fail to properly consider the feedback, a judge may overturn the rule or regulation.
Check for public comment opportunities here: DDRS Public Notice of Drafts
Make Your Voice Heard: Public Comment Opportunity
The Bureau of Disabilities Services, Division of Aging, and Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning has announced their intent to propose amendments to the Health and Wellness (H&W), PathWays, and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) waivers. These changes could have significant impacts on individuals and families relying on these critical services.
H&W and TBI Waiver Amendments: DDRS Public Notice
PathWays Waiver Amendments: FSSA Public Notices
📢 Now is the time to share your perspective.
Public comments on these amendments are being accepted from December 25, 2024, through January 24, 2025.
Your voice matters! All public comments submitted during the comment period will be carefully reviewed and addressed by OMPP. A summary of the feedback, including responses to any suggestions not adopted and details of changes made to the waiver based on public input, will be included in the updated version of the waiver.
Changes Include:
New assessment tools may inadvertently reduce tier levels for families caring for young children, impacting financial support and creating undue burdens.
Reduction in waiver slots over the next few years could limit access to Medicaid for children with disabilities, creating a financial crisis for families already under stress.
Why Act?
Medicaid waivers often serve as the gateway to vital care for children and adults with disabilities. Fewer slots mean:
Longer waitlists for individuals in urgent need.
Increased financial strain on families left without Medicaid’s essential safety net.
Fewer opportunities for medically complex and disabled individuals to thrive.
This is your chance to influence the process and protect vulnerable families.
How You Can Make an Impact
Submit a Public Comment
Share your experiences, concerns, and suggestions. Be specific about how these changes might affect your family or community.
Public comments are being accepted until January 24, 2025. You can:
Highlight your concerns about slot reductions.
Suggest changes to improve waiver accessibility and fairness.
Advocate family-centered caregiving solutions.
Call for clear explanations of the new assessment tools.
Email Your Feedback:
H&W or TBI Waiver Comments send to: DDRSwaivernoticecomment@fssa.in.gov
Health and Wellness Waiver Amendment: 1915(c) HCBS Waiver: Draft IN.004.07.04
Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver Amendment: 1915(c) HCBS Waiver: Draft IN.002.05.04
PathWays Waiver Comments send to: INPathways@fssa.in.gov
Pathways Waiver Amendment: 1915(c) HCBS Waiver: Draft IN.018.00.02
Not sure what to say?
Your input can shape policies to ensure they meet the needs of those who depend on Medicaid services. Speak up before the January 24 deadline!
Waiver Amendments and Public Comment -
Family Support and CIH Waivers
& Fee for Service Selective Contracting Program
The Family and Social Services Administration is committed to working collaboratively with individuals, families, case managers and providers to support the individuals using home and community-based services waivers to live their vision of a good life.
The Bureau of Disabilities Services issued a public notice on the intent to submit renewals to the Family Support, the Community Integration and Habilitation Waivers, and 1915(b)(4) Waiver Fee for Service Selective Contracting Program to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for consideration. The 30-day public comment period will run through Feb. 21, 2025.
FSSA will be hosting three webinars to assist individuals, families and other interested stakeholders understand the process of amending a waiver, how to make public comment, and provide a high-level overview of the key changes currently proposed. The following are the three opportunities and link to join:
Thursday, Jan. 30: 10 a.m. EST - click here to join
Thursday, Feb. 13: 1 p.m. EST - click here to join
Monday, Feb. 17: Noon EST - click here to join
Make a Policy Consideration to the Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning
Make an Impact with Your Policy Consideration Requests
As a member, provider, or other interested party, you have the power to make a difference by submitting Policy Consideration requests to the Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP). This process allows you to advocate for changes in policies that affect the healthcare system and the services you or those you care for receive. Whether you're requesting the addition of specific medical codes or services, revising a provider code set, or seeking changes to an existing medical policy, your voice matters.
What is a Policy Consideration Request?
A Policy Consideration request is a formal way to ask for changes or additions to existing policies that directly impact services and care. Some examples of what you can submit requests for include:
Adding coverage for certain medical codes or services
Revising provider code sets
Revising current medical policies
This process isn’t intended for general questions about IHCP policies.
How Can You Submit Your Request?
Submitting a Policy Consideration request is easy. Just fill out the form HERE and attach any supporting documents or information that can help clarify your request. Once your form is submitted, the Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning (OMPP) will begin reviewing it.
What Happens After You Submit Your Request?
After you submit your request, it will go through a review process. Here’s what to expect:
Ongoing Review: Requests are reviewed based on the agency’s priorities and workflow. Reviews are not conducted during December and January.
Notification: Once a decision is made, you will receive an email with a determination letter. If your request is approved, it will move into the implementation process. If denied, you’ll receive an explanation and can resubmit a new request after 18 months or with new supporting studies.
Note: Approved requests won’t be applied retroactively.
How to Check the Status of Your Request
You can track the status of your request throughout the process. Here’s how:
Automatic Updates: During the review process, you will receive automatic email updates.
Status Checks: At any time, you can check the status of your request by clicking on "View Existing Requests." You can search using keywords or your Policy Request Number, which will be provided after your submission.
Status Definitions
Submitted: Your request is in the queue, awaiting assignment.
Research: Your request is being researched, and the timeline depends on its complexity.
In Review: Research is complete, and your request is under final review.
Approved: Your request has been approved, and implementation will begin (no retroactive changes).
Denied: Your request was denied, but you can resubmit after 18 months or with new studies.
On Hold: Your request is on hold due to competing priorities or external factors.
Inquiry: Your request is determined to be an inquiry, not a Policy Consideration, and will be redirected to the appropriate team.
How to Make Your Request Count
By submitting a Policy Consideration request, you contribute to improving the system and the care available to all. Whether you're advocating for better coverage or pushing for more equitable access to services, your input can directly impact the policies that shape healthcare.
For further questions or status updates contact PolicyConsideration@fssa.in.gov .
Start making a difference today! Submit your Policy Consideration Requests HERE!