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American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Provider Retention Payments

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The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has implemented American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) provider retention payments. The initial provider report is due by July 1, 2022.

HHSC is providing funds to agency providers and consumer-directed services employers to support recruitment and retention efforts for direct care staff delivering HCBS services. Payments made under this section can include one-time financial compensation directed toward direct care staff, including lump-sum bonuses, retention bonuses, and paid time off to receive a COVID-19 vaccination or to isolate after receiving a positive COVID-19 test.

HHSC is providing time-limited reimbursement increases to strengthen and stabilize the HCBS workforce. Temporary rate increases will be made on eligible HCBS service claims with dates of service between March 1, 2022, and August 31, 2022.

Important: Providers receiving temporary rate increases must complete an attestation and an initial report by July 1, 2022.

HHSC will announce the due date for the final report in a follow-up notice. Providers will have at least 30 days to complete the final report.

Providers who fail to complete the required attestation and reporting will be subject to recoupment of HCBS ARPA funds.

Information regarding ARPA HCBS Provider recruitment and retention payments is available on the HHSC Provider Finance website.