Parents of children with a life limiting diagnosis, providers, and other interested stakeholders are invited to provide public comments on proposed renewal of the Medicaid Children’s Hospice waiver. North Dakota Health and Human Services is seeking federal approval to renew the waiver for another five years. Comments will be accepted until March 30, at 5 p.m. CT.
The Children’s Hospice waiver provides services to children from birth to their 22nd birthday. The goal of this waiver is to help families keep their child home instead of having to place them in a nursing home or hospital to receive needed care for their life limiting diagnosis.
The draft waiver amendment is online at hhs.nd.gov/human-services/medicaid/provider/waivers. Copies will also be provided upon request.
Individuals can submit comments by emailing kbarchenger@nd.gov or calling 800-755-2604, 701-328-4630, or 711 (TTY), or by fax at 701-328-1544. Comments can also be mailed to North Dakota Health and Human Services, Medical Services Division, 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Dept. 325, Bismarck, N.D., 58505-0250.
After the public comment period ends the waiver will be submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Based on the CMS timeframes for review and approval, the waiver is expected to be effective July 1.