CMS Announces Training Series on HCBS Provisions of Medicaid Access Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a comprehensive training series to guide stakeholders on the home- and community-based services (HCBS) provisions of the Medicaid Access Rule. The Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services final rule, which aims to improve both access and quality of care for Medicaid beneficiaries, will be the focus of this series. The rule is designed to enhance safeguards for health and welfare, promote health equity, and ensure a consistent approach to Medicaid HCBS program administration. 

The training series will cover a wide array of topics, including incident management systems, HCBS measure sets, grievance systems, and timely access requirements. Each session will give participants the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback to CMS on rule implementation. 

Training Schedule: 

• September 16, 2024: Incident Management Systems and Critical Incident Reporting 

• October 9, 2024: HCBS Measure Set 

• December 11, 2024: Grievance Systems 

• February 12, 2025: Timely Access, Waiting Lists, and Person-Centered Planning 

• March 12, 2025: Website Requirements 

• April 9, 2025: HCBS Rate Transparency 

• May 14, 2025: Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC) and Beneficiary Advisory Council (BAC) 

• June 11, 2025: Institutional Rule Provisions 

These sessions will be held via Zoom, and participants can register for any or all of the training dates. The sessions are open to states, associations, advocates, and other Medicaid or HCBS stakeholders. 

To register, visit the CMS registration page.