NC H580

DHHS must study the feasibility of adding a new Medicaid service called "Community Activities and Employment Transitions" (CAET) for individuals age 16 or older with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

CAET service must be modeled after nonresidential components of Long-Term Community Supports provided by Vaya Health and similar services by Alliance Behavioral Healthcare, exclude any residential component, and originate from facilities meeting home and community-based services standards.

DHHS shall collaborate with rehabilitation centers, supported employment organizations, LME/MCOs, and other stakeholders, while the Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services may amend or adopt rules to account for community-based activities and employment services.

DHHS must submit a report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid by April 1, 2024, detailing the CAET service definition, anticipated annual state cost, necessary legislative changes, facility licensing recommendations, and expected implementation date.

Appropriations of $500,000 for fiscal year 2023-2024 and $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2024-2025 are provided to support the feasibility study and implementation requests, with CAET coverage not beginning before January 1, 2024.