UPDATED information regarding changes to SGL conversion project

For the original publication, please click here. The following is a text version of the original publication. 
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To: Supervised Group Living (SGL) home providers 
From: Nicole Norvell, director, Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) 
Re: UPDATED information regarding changes to SGL conversion project 
Date: September 6, 2013 

As indicated in the announcement dated June 4, 2013, DDRS has evaluated the conversion process and has determined that the decision to convert Supervised Group Living home providers (SGL) to Medicaid waiver-supported living services is voluntary rather than mandatory. Via grant funds, the State will assist providers in the voluntary conversion of their group home beds into Medicaid Waiver slots. 

Risk mitigation grants are to be utilized by providers to offset allowable expenses incurred while transitioning individuals from a group home setting to receiving Medicaid waiver-supported living services. It is not intended that these Risk mitigation grants will cover profit loss attributed to consumers’ transitions to waiver services.

If a provider elects to convert its SGL home beds to Medicaid waiver slots, the SGL residents in those homes will be given the option to transfer to another SGL setting or access DDRS’ Community Integration and Habilitation (CIH) waiver. If the consumer elects to access the CIH waiver, he/she will: 

• choose where he/she will reside; 
  
• choose a provider of case management services; 
  
• choose the members of his/her individualized support team (ISP); participate in the development of his/her ISP; 
  
• choose the provider(s) of services that are identified in the ISP. 
  

Overall, the consumer’s day and service mix under the waiver may look very similar to what it had been in the SGL or it may look very different based upon the services identified in the ISP. 

If a provider chooses not to convert its SGL home beds to Medicaid waiver slots, individuals may still choose to transition to receiving services through the CIH waiver. We will be working to provide information to all residents of SGL homes on their choices and options regarding transitioning to waiver services. 

SGL providers who are seeking to close a licensed SGL and convert its existing occupied group home beds to Medicaid waiver slots are asked to submit a letter of intent. The State will contact providers upon receipt to schedule a time to discuss and further prepare providers for submission of a full grant proposal. 

Guidance regarding requirements for both letters of intent and proposals can be found on DDRS’ Supervised Group Living (SGL) Conversions webpage.