Indiana’s Bureau of Disability Services (BDS) is launching a review process of high-cost Medicaid Waiver service plans, and has also issued guidance on transportation.
High-Cost Waiver Service Plans
BDS has issued advisory memos for providers and families regarding review of high-cost Medicaid Waiver service plans.
BDS’s memo states, “BDS is taking a proactive look at cases where individuals are receiving funding beyond what may be needed for their health and safety. We are asking case managers and service teams to work closely with us to review service plans for people receiving waiver services, especially those whose current funding is very high or above their waiver allocation.”
BDS will work directly with individuals and families, case managers, providers, and Individualized Support Teams (ISTs) throughout this process. They stated, “The involvement of families, informal supports, and providers is essential to these reviews, and BDS appreciates the partnership that makes high-quality, person-centered services possible.”
CIH Waiver Guidance on Transportation
BDS has also issued a memo guiding the appropriate use of Transportation (TRNO) and Residential Habilitation and Support (RHS) services under the Community Integration and Habilitation (CIH) Waiver. Key points include:
TRNO – Transportation Services:
- Transportation to access community-based services, employment, and
Person-Centered Individualized Support Plan (PCISP) activities should only be used when unpaid transportation options (e.g., family, friends, community resources) are unavailable.
- Case managers must justify TRNO use, ensure it aligns with PCISP goals, and avoid duplicating other Medicaid-covered transportation services.
RHS – Residential Habilitation and Support:
- While RHS recipients are not prohibited from using TRNO, BDS encourages thoughtful planning to avoid unnecessary overlap.
- Case managers must review RHS service plans to ensure transportation needs are addressed and avoid overlapping with TRNO. BDS Transportation Guidance Memo