In the 17 years since Money Follows the Person (MFP) was established, more than 100,000 people have benefited from the program designed to help transition aging or disabled individuals out of traditional institutional care and into care provided in their homes and communities.
According to an October 2021 report on the impact on MFP, the annual number of seniors and individuals with disabilities to benefit from the program declined from 2016 to 2019 – lining up with an expected sunset of the program at the time. Transitions increased in 2020, coinciding with a federal reinvestment in MFP. In the report, state MFP directors reported uncertainty of funding, inadequate housing and workforce shortages as the primary barriers to the program’s success.
Historically, the program has served more in the aging population and those with physical, mental health and adult-onset cognitive disabilities than those with identified intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). So, the question remains: Will renewed investments in the program bring the necessary focus to helping I/DD individuals transition to their homes and communities?
MFP, Renewed
On March 31, 2022, the Biden administration announced a $110 million investment in MFP. With the program, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) incentivizes home- and community-based services (HCBS) by ensuring seniors and those with disabilities have access to the services and supports they need in their communities, outside of nursing homes or other institutional settings.
MFP allows aging and disabled populations to choose the services and supports that best serve their needs at home, including “hiring” a relative or adult child to provide care. Beneficiaries can also access personal care assistance, home healthcare, home modifications for safety and accessibility, adult day care and personal emergency response systems.
Program offerings vary by state, and eligibility is also determined at the state level, but standard requirements include the need for an institutional level of care that can be provided through resources at home or in the community. Currently, 36 states have established MFP programs. The new investment from the CMS should afford many additional states and territories the opportunity to establish MFP and work with seniors and individuals with disabilities to leave institutions, should they desire.
I/DD Populations and MFP
Advocates for disabled populations have often pushed for HCBS investment because it’s believed quality of life is greatly improved for those living at home.
Individuals with disabilities can only play an active role in their communities and greater society by living in the community, according to the United Disabilities Services Foundation. Outside of institutions, those with physical, mental or intellectual disabilities may:
- Find more opportunity to build practical life skills for enhanced independence
- Have access to activities and services not available within institutions
- Benefit from being a part of a diverse community
In addition, individuals with disabilities may also find opportunities to work in inclusive workplaces, join community sports leagues or take advantage of neighborhood amenities.
An estimated 15.5 million people in the U.S. live with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While the number of I/DD individuals living in institutions has dramatically reduced for decades, the impetus to bring more people home remains. According to 2019 data, several states with established MFP programs had yet to transition any I/DD individuals out of institutions. North Dakota had the best record for serving I/DD populations, according to the data compiled by the University of California San Francisco, Community Living Policy Center, followed by Arkansas and Iowa. Nationwide, more than 14,000 I/DD individuals successfully moved home between 2007 and 2018.
Blue Compass Solutions Simplify MFP Tracking
For more than two decades, FEI Systems has been modernized and simplified the administration and tracking of health and human services programs. Since MFP was established, FEI has assisted state departments in the administration of these Medicaid HCBS programs, to help more beneficiaries live and thrive in their homes and communities.
Through automated submission processes, support coordinators can enroll participants in state MFP programs. Once all signed waiver documents are received, Blue Compass person records include an identifier in the attribute section, so administrators can easily see who is in the MFP program. All MFP data can be tracked, and reports submitted to respective departments right from the platform. This includes any waiver offers, linkages, eligibility determinations, required reporting at the required intervals for the 365-day tracking report, and discharges from the program.
