Major Updates to Indiana Environmental Modification Process and Rules
On July 1st, 2018 the Indiana Division on Aging updated its rules for the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Provider Manual. In particular, some major changes were made to Environmental Modification Assessments. These updates affect the Medicaid Waiver provider offices across the state who help eligible participants/individuals through the program to make home modifications (such as bathrooms, ramps, and stair lifts) so they can live more independently.
To better understand the purpose of this program, here is the service definition:
Home modifications are minor physical adaptations to the home, as required by the participant’s service plan, which are necessary to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the participant, and which enable the participant to function with greater independence in the home, and without which the individual would require institutionalization. Incidental structural repairs to facilitate modifications may be included in this service.
Most provider offices across the state are aware of the program and what it can do for individual's struggling with accessibility in their home. If you are a provider office or care manager and want to learn more about this particular program and what services Koremen provides, please contact us. We would be more than happy to set up a time to come in and discuss what it is we do and more about the overall program. We also have a PDF that explains What Medicaid Says About Home Modifications, available here.
Major Changes
The following are the major changes that went into effect on July 1st, 2018.
Changed name from Environmental Modification Assessment to Home Modification Assessment
Required home modification assessment if assessor available in the county the participant resides if the expected amount of home modification is greater than $5,000.00
Clarified the amount for the assessment is not part of the cap on home modifications
Added an additional $250.00 payment to the assessor to make a third trip to a home modification to help mediate disputes
Updated service definition to only require two (2) bids If it is a family-owned home, then a signature from the family owner is required
Two (2) bids are required if the amount is to be more than $1000.00
Kitchen sinks and cabinets are now possible activity
One-year minimum warranty work for providers
Activities not allowed - removed ceiling track systems, elevators, installation of standard fixtures, and modified structural repair to include incidental structural repair
If you are receiving Medicaid services and would like more information about the home modification program through the Aged and Disabled Waiver, please contact your local waiver provider. Many persons first step is to contact their local Area Agency on Aging. To find your local office, you can visit here.
