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, Conn. will receive, for those transitioning back to the community, an enhanced Medicaid match of nine million dollars over five years, being reimbursed for 75 percent of costs for the first year back in the community instead of the customary 50 percent. This federal support is a financial incentive for Conn. 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.

Goals of the MFP

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.

For more information about Money Follows the Person, call 1-888-992-8637 or visit http://www.ct.gov/moneyfollowstheperson.