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AASD and DSD eList announcement

Date: June 21, 2024
To: Service providers, lead agency staff, managed care organization (MCO) staff and other interested parties
From: DHS Aging and Adult Services and Disability Services divisions
Purpose: To announce community emergency and disaster assistance protocols for people who receive waiver services
Contact: For questions about disability services, use the DSD Contact Form. For questions about aging and adult services, email dhs.aasd.hcbs@state.mn.us.

Emergency and disaster assistance for people receiving waiver services

DHS can reimburse relocation costs for Medical Assistance (MA) and Alternative Care (AC) providers that pay relocation costs to keep the people they serve safe during an emergency or natural disaster. Financial assistance does not cover flood damage to buildings or property and only reimburses relocation expenses not covered by:

· Other disaster aid programs.

· Private insurance.

· Federal funding.

Prepare

To get ready for the severe flooding predicted in many areas, providers, lead agencies and MCOs should:

· Before: Review emergency policies and procedures with staff and the people they serve.

· During: Take necessary action to protect vulnerable people.

· After: Discuss reimbursement (within legal limits) with DHS.

Contact DHS

If a person who receives services through a disability waiver, Elderly Waiver (EW) or AC was relocated, the provider or lead agency should contact DHS.

Disability waiver: Submit a message using the DSD Contact Form:

· Lead agencies: Select “I have a question,” then “Case consult and policy,” then “Community emergency or disaster including workforce shortage consult.”

· Service providers: Select “Case consult,” then “Facility closure, staffing shortage, Covid, etc.”

EW and AC: Email dhs.aasd.hcbs@state.mn.us; include “flood assistance” in the subject.