AASD and DSD eList announcement

Date: May 24, 2022
To: All waiver and Alternative Care service providers, county and tribal nation staff, managed care organizations and other interested parties
From: DHS Disability Services and Aging and Adult Services divisions
Purpose: To announce community emergency and disaster assistance protocols for people who receive waiver services
Effective: Immediately
Contact: For questions about disability services, use the DSD Contact Form. For questions about aging services, email dhs.aasd.hcbs@state.mn.us.

Community emergency and disaster assistance protocols for people who receive waiver services

With this spring’s record precipitation and temperature changes, many parts of Minnesota are at a higher risk of flooding. DHS will work with providers in preparation and response to flooding.

What to do before and during an emergency

Waiver service providers, county and tribal nation staff and managed care organizations should:

· Refresh people (staff, as well as people served) on emergency policies and procedures now. Revise as needed to reduce risk of harm to people and property

· Do what is necessary to protect people who are vulnerable in the emergency

· Discuss reimbursement (within legal limits) with DHS afterward.

Relocation reimbursement

In an emergency, DHS has the authority to reimburse Medical Assistance (MA) and Alternative Care (AC) program providers when they incur additional relocation costs while ensuring the health and safety of the people they serve. This assistance is only for relocation costs not covered by:

· Other disaster assistance

· Private insurance

· Federal funding.

This assistance is not for flood damage to buildings or property.

If a community emergency or disaster requires a person who receives waiver services to relocate from a current residence, a licensed or qualified provider may provide out-of-home respite to meet the person’s needs.

How to contact DHS

Following an emergency relocation of any person who receives services under disability waivers, the Elderly Waiver or Alternative Care program, the person’s provider or lead agency should use the DSD Contact Form for disability waivers or dhs.aasd.hcbs@state.mn.us for EW and AC information and assistance with:

· Funding available to reimburse eligible relocation costs

· Information about additional DHS disaster-related assistance.

When using the DSD Contact Form:

· Lead agencies: Select drop-down option “I want to consult with DSD about using waiver respite services for a community emergency or disaster, including workforce shortage due to Covid.”

· Service providers: Select “Other questions or concerns not listed here.”

When emailing dhs.aasd.hcbs@state.mn.us, include “flooding assistance” in the subject of your email.

DHS will work with the provider and lead agency to help with relocation and complete related service funding and authorizations.

Additional resources

For more information, review the:

· DHS disability emergency preparedness page

· Department of Public Safety’s spring flooding page, which has helpful information, including updated flood forecasts and actions to take before, during and after a flood

· Centers for Disease Control and Prevention natural disaster and severe weather website, which has information about many types of natural disasters, but specifically floods

· Ready.gov, which offers information about preparing before, surviving during and being safe after emergencies or natural disasters such as floods.

Previous eList announcements

AASD LEAD AGENCY ARCHIVE | DSD LEAD AGENCY ARCHIVE | DSD STAKEHOLDER ARCHIVE