HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced an estimated $58 million in federal reimbursement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) through the Money Follows the Person (MFP) Program. This funding will bolster existing initiatives and support new efforts aimed at enabling individuals to receive care within their communities.
Federal Support for Community Living
“The Shapiro Administration is committed to investing in programs that help Pennsylvanians have what they need to live with dignity and independence in the communities of their choosing. We are grateful to our federal partners for supporting this work, and with this additional federal funding, we are able to continue to assist individuals who wish to move from an institutional setting back to the community,” said DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh.
MFP Program Overview
Pennsylvania has participated in the MFP program since 2008. The program reimburses states for administrative activities and provides an enhanced federal match for the first year of supportive services for MFP participants transitioning to community settings. This results in significant savings, which DHS reinvests to remove barriers to transition and enhance services.
The MFP initiative has facilitated the transition of over 6,500 individuals into community-based settings. To date, Pennsylvania has received over $200 million to support Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and related administrative activities.
Capacity Building and Support Initiatives
MFP funding supports several capacity-building initiatives intended to prevent recurrent institutionalization. These initiatives include education and outreach programs, specialized clinical teams, IT enhancements, and pilot programs. The program also funds training for staff to better support individuals with dual diagnoses and those under 21 transitioning from Residential Treatment Facilities (RTFs).
Key Funded Activities for 2024
- Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy: At Torrance State Hospital, staff receive training in Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R) to aid individuals with complex behavioral needs in finalizing their care service plans for community discharge.
- Nursing Home Transition Training: Training and resident education sessions will be conducted at 700 nursing facilities to inform residents about the option of receiving care in the community.
- Dual Diagnosis Capacity Building: The Capacity Building Institute (CBI) Strategy educates staff on supporting individuals with dual diagnoses and those under 21 with developmental and intellectual disabilities transitioning from RTFs.
- START PA Program: This community-based program assists individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism and co-occurring mental illnesses, providing crisis intervention and support services to prevent hospitalization.
- Trauma Awareness and Intervention Programs: The ECHO Project disseminates micro-learning resources on trauma-related issues via a tele-mentoring and collaborative care model.
- Landlord Risk Mitigation Fund: This program mitigates perceived risks for landlords renting to individuals with disabilities, increasing their ability to secure rental housing.
- Shared-Housing Project: The SHARE Program matches senior homeowners with individuals seeking affordable housing, addressing the need for housing options for seniors.
Through these initiatives, Pennsylvania aims to improve the quality of life for its residents by ensuring access to community-based care and services. The additional federal funding will enhance the state’s ability to support individuals transitioning from institutional settings, ultimately fostering greater independence and dignity for Pennsylvanians.
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