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KDADS reports staffing additions, MFEI delay to July 1, ADRC contract award and waiver updates
Summary
KDADS announced several internal staffing hires, said the Medicaid Functional Eligibility Instrument (MFEI) go‑live has moved to July 1, 2025, confirmed that PD and FD waivers were renewed effective Jan. 1, 2025, and said the ADRC contract has been awarded to Liberty Healthcare with a separate assessor procurement pending.
Lee, a KDADS staff member who provided personnel updates, named recent hires and role assignments: Sandy Heston Pewitt (HCBS project manager), Sami Kasbulas (HCBS contracts program manager), Aspen Overlay (LTSS senior administrative assistant), Kathy Keck (TA labor program manager), Christina Rinch (FE program manager, started the day of the call) and Todd Hoggs (FE eligibility specialist).
Mitzi, who provided EFNET and FMAP updates, said closed applications for supportive technology have been received and awards were expected the coming Friday. She reported 21 applicants for supportive technology and 9 applicants for self‑advocacy grants (transcript figures as stated during the call). Mitzi said the Employment First pilots are 240% of projected goals with 106 individuals across four pilot providers (Down Syndrome Innovations, Compass Behavioral Health, Starkey and OCCK) obtaining full‑time employment.
On policy tools and contracts, KDADS staff said the Medicaid Functional Eligibility Instrument (MFEI) go‑live date has been pushed back to July 1, 2025, and KDADS will hold webinars and office hours to address stakeholder concerns. KDADS also said it is separating the Area Agency/ADRC contract into two contracts: an ADRC contract awarded to Liberty Healthcare, and a separate assessor contract (to perform BI, FE and PD assessments) that is under procurement review.
Lee confirmed KDADS had PD (Physical Disability) and FD (Frailty/??) waiver renewals approved and effective January 1, 2025. KDADS also reported two current waiver amendments under CMS review: a brain injury waiver amendment removing use of in‑lieu‑of funds for certain purchases that exceed a $10,000 cap, and an IDD waiver amendment to shift from the BASIS tool to the MFEI for eligibility determinations; KDADS said it had been in conversations with CMS about those amendments.
KDADS staff said additional details and implementation dates will be posted on the KDADS website and distributed via stakeholder communications.
