ADvancing States and HCBS TA Collective Release Brief on ARPA HCBS Investments

ADvancing States, in collaboration with the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Home and Community-based Services (HCBS) Technical Assistance Collective, has published an issue brief titled “Efforts to Evaluate the Impact of ARPA HCBS Investments.” The brief delves into the assessment of states’ initiatives to comprehend the outcomes of their HCBS projects, which have been bolstered by substantial federal investments under the ARPA.

Drawing insights from state surveys, focus groups, and analyses of ARPA HCBS spending plans, the issue brief offers valuable lessons learned and practical information for states seeking to evaluate the impacts, successes, efficiencies, lessons learned, and best practices of their ARPA HCBS investments.

The brief emphasizes the significance of evaluating the frequency of rate reviews, addresses the insufficiency of baseline data concerning the experiences and needs of participants, their families, direct care workers (DCWs), and small HCBS providers. Furthermore, it sheds light on the challenges associated with time-limited funding in state initiatives aimed at sustaining HCBS systems. The brief comes as CMS has recently released ARPA state spending plans which summarizes that $36.8 billion had been allocated across all 51 states, with $24.6 billion specifically directed to direct care worker recruitment and retention activities.