Our first priority is to ensure timely access to services by stabilizing the workforce. The plan allocates the single largest portion of funding to retention and attraction bonuses for direct support workers and their first line supervisors. Over 68% of the total plan spend is allocated to the timely access area.
Dedicated and skilled workers are truly the most critical element to sustaining and growing our HCBS system, and the projects in the timely access are also includes significant investments in training and making worker certification portable across HCBS population groups. It also includes development of a worker council to advise us on longer term changes that will improve the nature of the work and a media campaign to attract a new generation of people to a rewarding profession with opportunities to grow and advance. Other access initiatives in the timely access area include expanded supports for family caregivers, expansion of self-directed options, improved information, and referral, and streamlined HCBS eligibility processes to promote diversion from institutional settings.
List of Current Projects
- ME102.2 Engage and Empower Direct Support/ Direct Care Staff Initiative
- ME102.3 Train Providers in Evidence Based Practices for Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder
- ME102.8 Home and Community Based Services Workforce Marketing
- ME103.2 Training for Family Caregivers of Members
- ME105.1 Training and Development of Services/Supports to add Self-Direction
- ME106.1 Improvements to Maine's No Wrong Door for Aging and Long-Term Support and Services (LTSS)
- ME106.6 Development of MaineCare Palliative Care Services
- ME106.8 Pilot to Improve and Enhance Adult Day Community Based Services in Maine
- ME107.2 Telehealth Access - Assessment and Implementation of Telehealth Services for PNMIs
Completed Projects
- ME101.1 Workforce Stabilization Retention Payments
- ME109.1 Designated Payment to Group Homes and Family Centered Homes for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Listening Sessions
Questions?
Contact us at HCBS-FMAP.DHHS@maine.gov