AHCCCS Opens Applications for $47.5 Million in Directed Payments to Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) in Second Round of American Rescue Plan (ARP) Program

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is investing $47.5 million from ARP Awards to help strengthen HCBS in Arizona.

Starting on December 4, 2023, eligible HCBS providers can apply for up to $1 million for programmatic or infrastructure projects to improve HCBS for round 2 of the ARP Program Awards. All applications must be submitted through GrantsConnect by 5 p.m. January 15, 2024. Organizations that applied for round 1 are still encouraged to apply for round 2 whether they were approved or denied.

HCBS are a type of person-centered care delivered in home or community settings. The program addresses the needs of people with functional limitations who need assistance with completing everyday tasks such as bathing. HCBS are mainly designed to deliver care in homes rather than facilities and generally fall into two categories, Health Services and Human Services.

According to the Arizona Department of Economic Security (AZDES), the Older Americans Act (OAA) requires each State Unit on Aging (SUA) to submit a State Plan every four years to the Administration for Community Living (ACL), under the U.S Department of Health and Services. Arizona receives federal funding matched with state and local funds to execute its submitted plans.

AHCCCS has been providing services for the elderly and physically disabled since 1987 through the creation of the Arizona Long-Term Care System (ALTCS) Program. The program has been regarded as a model for other states with respect to integrated care models and community-based placement rates. In 2009, only about 49% resided in their own homes and 31% were institutionalized. In 2020, 72% resided in their homes and only 9% were institutionalized.

According to the Annual HCBS Report, on July 15, 2021, AHCCCS submitted a spending plan for the implementation of the ARP Act of 2021. Arizona plans to use this opportunity to strengthen HCBS and has identified two critical priorities; Strengthening and Enhancing Arizona’s HCBS, and advancing technology to support greater independence and community connection. As of January 2022, AHCCCS received spending approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The funding Is short term and AHCCCS made the decision to spend them by September 2024.

The following providers of HCBS in Arizona are eligible to apply:

• Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinics (Provider Type 77),
• Attendant Care (Provider Type 40),
• Integrated Clinics (Provider Type IC),
• Assisted Living Centers (Provider Type 49),
• Assisted Living Homes (Provider Type 36),
• Habilitation Providers (Provider Type 39),
• Community Service Agencies (Provider Type A3),
• Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (Provider Type BC),
• Adult Foster Care (Provider Type 50),
• Home Delivered Meals (Provider Type 70),
• Adult Day Health (Provider Type 27),
• Elderly and Physical Disability (EPD) HCBS (Provider Type 81), and
• Area Agencies on Aging.

Members and everyone involved in the community are encouraged to report to AHCCCS here any concerns they may have about the quality of care received.