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DHHS outlines progress on system of care for healthy aging and next steps
Summary
DHHS bureau leaders told the oversight committee that HB 2 rate increases for the Choices for Independence waiver were implemented, eligibility changes are operational, a CFI rate study guides budget priorities, and a DHHS 1115 amendment seeking presumptive eligibility is pending CMS review.
Deputy Commissioner Melissa Henn introduced an array of updates from the Department of Health and Human Services on Nov. 22 and asked bureau leaders to give a concise account of progress on the department’s system of care for healthy aging.
Wendy Altman, bureau chief for Adult and Aging Services, said HB 2 included rate increases for the Choices for Independence (CFI) waiver, which the bureau implemented over the past 18 months. The bureau operationalized the bill’s eligibility changes, reprocured aging and disability resource center contracts (formerly ServiceLink), added person‑centered counseling in contracts and hired permanent staff to oversee those services. Altman said the bureau issued a CFI rate study at the end of fiscal 2024 to inform agency budget priorities and plans to submit a CFI waiver amendment after the new year.
Altman also said DHHS filed an amendment to its 1115 demonstration waiver this spring to include presumptive eligibility for the CFI waiver and is currently awaiting review by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. She said IT enhancements tied to the system of care are near completion and that the bureau is working with an external vendor to draft the system‑of‑care plan required under HB 2, expected within about two months.
Committee members asked for concrete fiscal impacts tied to the visual system‑of‑care diagram and requested slides or spreadsheets during a follow‑up session (anticipated in February). Altman and other DHHS staff said rate‑study results are in and will inform the department’s prioritized budget request for FY26–27.
The department framed the work as part of a broader shift to serve Granite Staters in community settings rather than institutions, and members signaled interest in evaluating managed‑care options and long‑term budget effects.
The committee did not take formal action on the presentation; staff were asked to provide more detailed fiscal materials at a later meeting.
