Public Notices, Regulatory Documents, and Reports

PUBLIC NOTICE
October 10, 2021

COMPREHENSIVE AND SUPPORTS WAIVER AMENDMENTS AND CHANGES TO STATEWIDE METHODS AND STANDARDS FOR SETTING PROVIDER PAYMENT RATES

This notice of changes in statewide methods and standards for setting payment rates is provided in accordance with the provisions of 42 CFR § 447.205.  The Wyoming Department of Health, Division of Healthcare Financing (Division) proposes and seeks public comment on the following changes:

Implementation of Supports and Comprehensive Waiver provider payment rate methodology as established in the Guidehouse report entitled Comprehensive and Supports Waivers SFY2023 Provider Rate Study.

In 2008, the Department of Health was required by state statute (W.S. 42-4-120 (g)) to establish a cost-informed reimbursement system to pay providers of services and supplies under home and community based waiver programs for persons with developmental disabilities or acquired brain injury. This state statute also required that rates be rebased at least once every four (4) years, but not more than once in any two (2) year period. 

The proposed rate methodology uses an independent rate build-up approach based on cost and wage data from providers and other state and national data sources. The independent rate build-up methodology comprises direct care and indirect care components and uses assumptions about types of employees; wage rates; benefits; program support and administration costs; supervisor span of control; staffing patterns; and direct care work productivity factors. The anticipated increase to the annual aggregate expenditures is approximately $9,458,515. 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) must approve applications to amend the rate determination methods described in Appendix I-2 of the Supports and Comprehensive Waivers in order for the rates to be implemented.  The complete waiver applications, as well as a list of the proposed rates, and a summary of other proposed changes is available below. The Comprehensive and Supports Waivers SFY 2023 Provider Rate Study report is available under the Statistics and Reports section of this webpage. To obtain a printed copy of the summary of proposed rates or changes, the draft waiver amendments, or the Provider Rate Study, or for information on where these documents are available for public review in your county, please contact:

Matthew Crandall
Wyoming Department of Health
Division of Healthcare Financing
122 W. 25th Street, 4 West
Cheyenne, WY 82002
(307) 777-7366

matthew.crandall2@wyo.gov

A public forum will be conducted via Zoom  teleconference on Thursday, October 28, 2021 from 3:00pm – 4:00pm. 

Callers should call in to:
(669)900-6833
meeting ID#986 1891 4988,
or log in at https://uwyo.zoom.us/j/98618914988

Public comment on these proposed changes will be accepted by mail, email, or phone until 5pm on Tuesday, November 9, 2021.  

Mail:
Attn: DD Waiver Amendment Public Comment
122 W. 25th Street, 4 West
Cheyenne, WY 82002

Email: matthew.crandall2@wyo.gov

Call: 307-777-7366

Summary of Proposed Waiver Amendments 

Draft Comprehensive Waiver Amendment

Draft Supports Waiver Amendment

Proposed Waiver Fee Schedule – Effective February 1, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE

February 28, 2021

CHANGES TO STATEWIDE METHODS AND STANDARDS FOR SETTING PROVIDER PAYMENT RATES

Public notice is hereby given that the Wyoming Department of Health, Division of Healthcare Financing (the Division) intends to change the methods and standards for setting payment rates for services rendered under the Community Choices Waiver (CCW) program. This notice is provided consistent with the requirements at 42 CFR §447.205.

The Division conducted a study and updated the CCW program’s reimbursement methodology in preparation of its application to renew the program for another five-year waiver period. The revised CCW rate model primarily employs a cost factor build-up approach to identify and calculate the reasonable and necessary direct and indirect provider costs associated with waiver service delivery. The Division’s rate model then combines the estimated cost factors to calculate the maximum allowable reimbursement rate for each waiver service. The CCW rate model’s net impact on annual program expenditures is estimated at $950,000, or 2.5%.

Related documents are linked below.  To obtain a printed copy of the CCW Rate Study Report, or for information on where these documents are available for public review in your county, please contact:

Shirley Pratt
Wyoming Department of Health
Home and Community Based Services Section
122 West 25th Street, 4 West
Cheyenne, WY 82002
(307) 777-2525
shirley.pratt@wyo.gov

CCW Rate Change Implementation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Service Plan Modifications for CCW Rate Changes Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Responses to CCW Case Manager Rate Change Questions

Wyoming CCW Rate Report 2020