CMS ISSUES FINAL RULE TO EMPOWER MEDICAID BENEFICIARIES TO DIRECT PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES
A final rule that would allow more Medicaid beneficiaries to be in charge of their own personal assistance services, including personal care services, instead of having those services directed by an agency, was announced today by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
The rule, on display today at the Federal Register, guides states who wish to allow Medicaid beneficiaries who need help with the activities of daily living to hire, direct, train or fire their own personal care workers. Beneficiaries could even hire qualified family members who may already be familiar with the individual's needs to perform personal assistance (not medical) services.
A copy of the regulation is available on the Federal Register's Website at:
http://federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2008-23102_PI.pdf
The press release has been posted to the CMS Newsroom at:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press_releases.asp
