LTSS Case Management Workforce

Supporting and building the HCBS workforce is a cornerstone of Rhode Island’s Covid-19 pandemic recovery strategy as well as a fundamental approach in the State’s LTSS rebalancing initiative.  The support that direct care workers and licensed health professionals provide to Medicaid enrollees who have physical or behavioral support needs helps to promote individual wellness and self-determination, allowing enrollees the choice to remain in their homes and communities and avoid unnecessary acute care or facility-based care.  The pandemic has exacerbated challenges in meeting consumer demand for HCBS services due to workforce shortages.

As a key component of its pandemic response and LTSS planning efforts, Rhode Island EOHHS will invest an estimated $330,000 in recruitment and retention for LTSS providers who did not otherwise receive a direct increase in the SFY 22 budget.  These provider agencies will receive these funds through the mechanisms of significant temporary rate increases for qualifying services from January 1, 2022, through March 31, 2022, to improve HCBS workforce recruitment and retention, and will have between January 1, 2022 and September 30, 2023 to expend the funds.