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DHS cites 19% drop in adult emergency ID waiting list, describes housing pilot and performance-based contracting
Summary
Secretary Arkoosh told appropriators the adult emergency waiting list for intellectual disability services fell 19% and the department launched a housing pilot using augmentation funds; DHS also described a phased rollout of performance‑based contracting and said it has adjusted metrics after provider feedback.
At the appropriations hearing, Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Valerie Arkoosh said DHS’s multi‑year strategy for intellectual‑disability (ID) services has reduced the adult emergency waiting list by 19 percent and enrolled roughly 3,000 additional adults, while the state now serves more than 40,000 people through waivers.
Why it matters: Reducing the ID emergency waiting list and expanding in‑community supports are central to ongoing budget allocations and provider-staffing initiatives. Arkoosh said the administration moved from slot-based allocations to giving counties a budget to manage locally, a change DHS says allows counties to serve more people with the same dollars.
Arkoosh described an augmentation fund created under Act 54 that can be used for housing subsidies for people with ID and autism — a use Medicaid otherwise prohibits — and said DHS launched a 10‑county housing pilot that pays rent subsidies to enable community placements. “The augmentation fund dollars can be used for that purpose,” Arkoosh said, adding that local stakeholders have been enthusiastic.
On performance‑based contracting (PBC), DHS said it launched the program for residential services in January and has been adjusting metrics after provider feedback and public meetings. Arkoosh said PBC is intended to incentivize providers to staff and train for higher‑needs clients; she acknowledged implementation is early and that DHS has delayed deadlines and offered technical assistance.
Ending: DHS said it remains committed to the multi‑year growth strategy and will continue to monitor waiting-list metrics, provide counties technical assistance under the new budget-based approach, and refine PBC and housing pilot details with providers and stakeholders.
