Georgia Medicaid Elderly & Disabled Waiver Program Update About Pending Rate Increase

Providers of Medicaid Elderly & Disabled Waiver Program (EDWP) services in Georgia should be aware of the following updates about pending rate increases:

• During last year’s 2022 Legislative Session, the SFY 2023 budget included a rate increase to help cover the cost of fingerprinting. That rate increase has not yet been submitted for CMS approval due to the ongoing efforts of the 5-year EDWP renewal. The renewal process that started in 2022 was just completed in February.
• During this year’s Legislative Session, the final SFY 2024 budget contained a 4% increase for all Medicaid EDWP home and community-based services (HCBS) providers. The budget is now on the desk of Governor Brian Kemp awaiting his approval. Once the Governor has signed the budget legislation, the CMS approval process can begin.
• To expedite the approval process, the Department of Community Health (DCH) has elected to combine the two rate increases into a single submission to CMS. Once the Governor signs the budget legislation, the approval process will begin at the next meeting of the DCH Board of Community Health. This will likely occur at the June 9 meeting. The DCH approval process includes a 30-day opportunity for public input. Once the public input is reviewed by DCH, final Board approval is expected at the July meeting. After this final approval, DCH will prepare a submission to CMS for their review and approval. The final CMS approval date will become the date that the new EDWP rates are effective.

The Georgia Chapter will continue to monitor the process and keep the membership informed.
 
Thank you also to all Georgia Chapter members that sent messages to lawmakers through the HCAOA Legislative Action Network. Your advocacy was instrumental in demonstrating the need for a Medicaid Elderly & Disabled Waiver Program rate increase for HCBS providers.