Bridge Funding to End with the Beginning of the New Waivers

April 05, 2016

The following was circulated today:

The Departments of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) and Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) are amending the three Medicaid Waivers (ID, DS & DD) with changes expected to take effect July 1, 2016. The amended waivers will have options for new services and are better designed to support individuals to live, work, and socialize in their own communities. The amended waivers will result in positive changes for individuals currently receiving bridge funding. It is noted that bridge funding was developed as a ‘bridge’ from the current waiver system, to the new waiver system taking effect July 1, 2016.

Effective July 1, 2016, on-going bridge funding will no longer be offered regardless of the effective start date of your bridge funding agreement. All invoices for bridge funding must be submitted no later than July 15th, 2016 for services occurring in June, 2016. Invoices received after this date will not be processed.

We believe that the new waiver will offer providers more flexibility and result in reimbursement appropriate to support the individuals you serve. We are dedicated to the individuals currently served under bridge funding, and will be working with you over the coming months to make this transition. DBHDS does not anticipate any delays in the amended Waiver roll out date of July 1, 2016; however should a delay occur, providers will be contacted to discuss a pro-rated bridge funding payment for any time frame post July 1, 2016.