In accordance with public notice requirements established at 42 CFR 447.205, The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning (OMPP) intends to submit the proposed amendment to the Family Supports Waiver (FSW) to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for consideration.

The FSW provides Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) to members in a range of community settings as an alternative to care in an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF/IID) or related conditions. The waiver serves persons with a developmental disability, intellectual disability or autism and who have substantial functional limitations, as defined under the paragraph for "Persons with related conditions" in 42 CFR 435.1010. Members may choose to live in their own home, family home, or community setting appropriate to their needs. The goal of FSW is to provide access to meaningful and necessary home and community-based services and supports, seek to implement services and supports in a manner that respects the member's personal beliefs and customs, ensure that services are cost-effective, facilitate the member's involvement in the community where he/she lives and works, facilitate the member's development of social relationships in his/her home and work communities, and facilitate the member's independent living.

Pursuant to a legislative mandate (Indiana House Enrolled Act 1296), the proposed amendment to FSW will include a priority status on the waiver for a child of: (1) an active member; or (2) veteran; of the armed forces of the United States (as defined in IC 5-9-4-3) or the National Guard (as defined in IC 5-9-4-4). The amendment will be effective October 30, 2019, contingent upon CMS approval. The proposed amendment to the FSW will result in no fiscal impact. The 30 day public comment period for the FSW amendment will run May 8, 2019 through June 7, 2019. Comments can be emailed to DDRSwaivernoticecomment@fssa.in.gov or mailed to the address below:

The FSW amendment is available for review and public comment on the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) Draft Policies for Public Comment webpage (http://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/4205.htm). Hard copies of the proposed amendments are available upon request at the address contained herein. Additionally, copies of the proposed amendments are available at local Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services offices and Division of Family Resources offices.

Jennifer Walthall, MD MPH

Secretary

Family and Social Services Administration