Self-Directed Programs Workforce

Leveraging its pandemic response and LTSS planning efforts, the State of Rhode Island has established time-limited, enhanced funding supports to stabilize and build the capacity and availability of HCBS services for Medicaid enrollees, including an estimated $4 million for recruitment and retention of Personal Care Aide (PCA) workers in Self-Directed programs, allowing Fiscal Intermediary agencies for the Personal Choice and the Independent Provider programs to provide retention and hiring bonuses to PCAs. 

Fiscal Intermediary agencies will receive these funds via a grant in January 2022, and will disburse program funds to support PCAs throughout the 16-month program period from January 1, 2021 through March 31, 2023. Fiscal Intermediaries shall use at least 85% of grant funds to pay direct bonuses to PCAs: a $500 recruitment bonus for new hires, and a quarterly retention bonus equivalent to 10% of the quarter’s gross wages for existing PCAs.  Fiscal Intermediaries shall use no more than 15% of grant funds to pay eligible payroll expenses (such as taxes) related to these bonuses.

In addition, Fiscal Intermediary (FI) agencies shall receive an administrative fee to support management of this grant. This will be paid in the form of a 10% increase in the FFS fiscal management rate for a five-month period, January 1, 2022 through May 30, 2022.

This program will not impact the regular ongoing activities of Consumers and Service Advisory Agencies.