The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued guidance to states encouraging the use of worker registries to enhance beneficiaries' access to home- and community-based services (HCBS).

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocated $37 billion for HCBS, with a temporary 10% increase to the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for certain Medicaid expenditures for HCBS. The FMAP increase expired on March 31, 2022, and CMS expects states to use state funds to implement or supplement activities that enhance Medicaid HCBS by March 31, 2025. While states primarily used the funds for workforce recruitment and retention, the recent guidance highlights the potential of worker registries to improve access to care by helping beneficiaries find qualified HCBS providers.

The guidance emphasizes the availability of significant federal funding through ARPA to support states in building and maintaining these registries. Worker registries can provide information about a care provider's qualifications, language proficiency, and specialization, facilitating better matches between beneficiaries and caregivers. The guidance aligns with CMS's broader efforts to support home- and community-based care and may contribute to the development of a final rule regarding Medicaid payments for HCBS services.

• Related News: Administration Encourages States to Use Worker Registries to Boost HCBS Access (McKnight's, 12/12/23)