Workforce Newsletter
RSS Feed

March 17, 2023

What Do I Need to Know? CMS Waivers, Flexibilities, and the Transition Forward from the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

As part of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) ongoing efforts to provide up-to-date information to prepare for the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19, which is expected on May, 11, 2023, we are providing a new overview fact sheet on CMS Waivers, Flexibilities, and the Transition Forward from the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.  COVID-19 efforts have been a significant priority for the Biden-Harris Administration, and with the use of whole-of-government approach, the country is in a better place. Over the next several months, we will work to ensure a smooth transition back to normal operations.
Read More

DHS Accepting Applications for Home and Community-Based Services Grants Supporting Quality and Innovation

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) opened applications for $15 million in grant funding to support Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS). HCBS help older adults or those who have disabilities live independently in their community. This is the second time Medicaid HCBS providers and agencies in Wisconsin are eligible to apply for between $25,000 to $1 million in grant funding. DHS will select projects that strengthen the HCBS system and support quality and innovation in the delivery of HCBS to older adults or those who have disabilities.
Read More

Direct Care Workforce Survey Responses due by March 24th

All Adult Family Homes, Community Based Residential Facilities and Residential Care Apartment Complexes that participate in the Family Care program and that have received Direct Care Workforce Fund distributions in June 2022 and December 2022 should have received the request below that originated from the Department of Health Services, Division of Medicaid Services.   We know that you are very busy with so many other priorities but it is important to note that as a recipient of Workforce Funds, completion and return of this survey is mandatory by March 24th. 
Read More

CMS Reverses Position on Employee Retention Tax Credit

Originally, CMS had informally instructed State Medicaid Agencies to offset Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERC) against cost. This position would have resulted in reductions in Medicaid rates. Several states already had begun issuing Medicaid rate letters. This guidance was completely different from CMS’ PPP and PRF guidance – those funds were to be disregarded for Medicaid rate setting.
Read More