(i.e., HCBS Elderly and/or Physically Disabled Adult Waivers)
CT Personal Care Assistance (for physically disabled adults ages 18-64)
Types of Technology Reimbursed/Definition (i.e., Personal Emergency Response System (PERS), Medication Dispensing, Home Telehealth, Remote Monitoring, etc.)
PERS Service: An electronic device that enables certain consumers at high risk of institutionalization to secure help in an emergency; the system may include a portable “help” button to allow for mobility. The system is connected to the person’s telephone and programmed to signal a response center once “help” button is activated. Trained professionals shall staff the response center.
Other standard: Has approved contract through DSS, or is a contractor of the department to provide PERS for other existing DSS programs, or who obtains an approved contract through DSS to provide PERS services.
Reimbursement Rates
PERS Service: $55.00/month
Assistive Technology: An item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, monitor or improve functional capabilities of participants to perform Activity of Daily Living (ADL), or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). Assistive technology service means a service that directly assists a participant in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Care plans will be developed based on the needs identified in the comprehensive assessment. The cost of the Assistive Technology cannot exceed the yearly cost of the service it replaces. When an assistive technology device is identified that will support the waiver participant’s independent functioning, the services will be reduced commensurate with the cost of the service it replaces. This reduction will be made with consideration of the waiver participant’s health and safety needs. The service shall be capped at an annual cost of $1,000.00.
For telemonitoring services, must be a Home Health Agency licensed in the state of Connecticut as specified in Subsection (k) section 19a-490 of the general statutes
Reimbursement Rates
Assistive Technology Rate: $1,000.00/year
CT HCBS for Elders (for older individuals ages 65 - no max age)
Types of Technology Reimbursed/Definition (i.e., Personal Emergency Response System (PERS), Medication Dispensing, Home Telehealth, Remote Monitoring, etc.)
PERS/ Medication Dispensing (“Two-way” systems): PERS is an electronic device which enables certain individuals at high risk of institutionalization to secure help in an emergency. The individual may also wear a portable "help" button to allow for mobility. The system is connected to the person's phone and programmed to signal a response center once a "help" button is activated. The response center is staffed by trained professionals 24/7. PERS services are limited to those individuals who live alone, or who are alone for significant parts of the day, and have no regular caregiver for extended periods of time, and who would otherwise require extensive routine supervision. Installation, upkeep and maintenance of the device is provided.
Reimbursement Rates
PERS Service: $29.17 - $32.21/month
Two-way: $58:33 - $64.38/month
PERS Installation: $35.00 - $38.65/month
Telemonitoring: Telemonitoring Services Provided by Home Health Agencies approved in 2009-2010 Budget, the CT Department of Social Services (DSS) has amended the waiver to permit telemonitoring and policy guidelines for implementation are in development. Telemonitoring services are to be provided by home health agencies including coverage for the cost of equipment rental and 24-hour monitoring for patients with congestive heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who meet certain medical criteria. From the budget bill: “This initiative is expected to result in net savings due to reduced skilled nursing visits and improved disease management, requiring fewer hospital visits…DSS will track both costs and savings over a two-year period. An evaluation will be performed at the end of the demonstration period to confirm the program's cost effectiveness.”
Reimbursement Rates
PERS Services: TBD
Connecticut Reimbursement Policy Notes:
While others states have AT in waiver, the CT scope and definition is broader than others (i.e., inclusion of telemonitoring), hence its inclusion in this summary.
Two-way systems include systems with medication dispensing; very few two-way systems have been utilized to date.