Money Follows the Person (MFP)

MFP is a federal demonstration grant, received by the CT Department of Social Services from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It was awarded to help rebalance the long-term care system so that individuals have the maximum independence and freedom of choice regarding where they live and receive care and services. The program builds on current programs by offering enhanced community services and support to those who have resided in nursing facilities for at least six months. Under MFP, Connecticut will receive, for those transitioning back to the community, an enhanced Medicaid match of 9 million dollars over five years, being reimbursed for 75% of costs for the first year back in the community instead of the customary 50%. This federal support is a financial incentive for CT to reduce the use of more expensive institutional care for Medicaid recipients. The approach is more cost-effective for taxpayers and is expected to lead to improved quality of life for elders and people with physical and developmental disabilities and mental illness. Options for residence alternatives back in the community include the person’s own home, a family member’s home, an apartment or congregate or elderly housing.

The goals of the MFP are:

1. Increase dollars spent on home and community based services.
2. Increase the percent of people receiving their long-term services in the community relative to those in institutions.
3. Decrease the number of hospital discharges to nursing facilities for those requiring care after discharge.
4. Increase the probability of people returning to the community within the first six months of admission to an institution
5. Transition at least 700 individuals out of institutions and back into the community

Individualized care plans are created based on need. Transition coordinators, located at area agencies on aging and/or centers for independent living, will provide one-to-one assistance with community supports, system navigation, accessing resources and living arrangements.

24/7 Emergency Back-up/Triage Service

In addition to handling care management for MFP eligible individuals transitioning out of nursing homes back into the community in the Northwest, North Central and Eastern regions of the state CCCI now maintains a 24/7 emergency call line statewide for the MFP.  The organization triages calls and assists participants to a resolution specific to workforce gaps, emergency personal care, transportation and equipment failures.

Self-Directed Community Supports Program

In an effort to further support those transitioning back to the community on MFP, specifically those who are self-directing their services, CCCI has received funding from the CT Council on Developmental Disabilities, to develop the Self-Directed Community Supports Program. This program is a 3 year pilot to develop and implement two new services - Community Living Consultant and Peer Mentorship. These service options will be demonstrated and evaluated under MFP. The Self-Directed Community Supports Advisory Council, consisting of key stakeholders, will help guide program development.

Community Living Consultants will offer flexible and personalized support to MFP participants who are self-directing their care. The primary function of the Community Living Consultant is to help participants of MFP develop the skills necessary to self-direct. They counsel participants to evaluate risks and make sure that they develop backup plans to ensure that urgent needs are met. They may provide advice about service options and recruiting, hiring, supervising, or dismissing personal care workers.   Preference for this service will be given to those with developmental disabilities.

Peer Mentors will be enlisted in select regions of the state.  Those MFP participants who are novice in self-directing their own care and using self-selected personal care attendants will have access to individuals who have first hand and extensive experience in directing their own personal care workforce as an employer.  CCCI will provide technical and administrative assistance to both Peer Mentors and MFP participants in the peer mentorship program.