Joint Waiver Committee - Recommended Timeline, Spanning July 1, 2010 through November 1, 2011

The following high-level timeline summarizes key tasks necessary for the development of the 1915(c) waiver application, CMS approval, and full implementation.

July - September 2010

  1. Determine targeted population characteristics
  2. Determine service needs via sampling and data review of targeted population
  3. Determine best Medicaid funding options(s) (i.e., waivers, state plan changes, managed care) and prioritization/sequencing of development
    1. Include funding options for housing/residential capacity development
  4. 1915(c) Medicaid Waiver
    1. Jointly (HFS/DHS/DMH) formulate primary policy decisions (see Integrated Policy Issue List)
  5. Initiate development of MIS specifications including web based functions, claims, enrollment, PAS, critical incidents, reporting, and flows, etc

October - December 2010

  1. 1915(c) Waiver (continued)
    1. Review unique Illinois waiver related issues informally with CMS
    2. Develop process flows for all aspects of the waiver based on above
    3. Draft the waiver application
    4. Complete public comment/input process
    5. Obtain final internal approvals and HFS sign off
  2. HFS submits waiver by end of November 2010 (CMS 120 day clock begins)
  3. While awaiting CMS comments, continue implementation development
    1. MIS specifications including web based functions, claims, enrollment, PAS, critical incidents, reporting, and flows, etc
    2. Finalize process flows for each operational area
    3. Develop procurement for Service Plan Oversight &/or monitoring
    4. Develop specifications for required ASO contract/deliverables changes
    5. Develop DHS/DMH waiver management staffing requirements including reporting, positions, qualifications, budget, internal approvals
    6. Develop provider certification requirements and process
    7. Other
  4. Determine State Plan changes necessary to support building housing/residential capacity (if any)
    1. If SPA changes necessary, make work plan (allow 9 months)
  5. Initiate development process for formal Rules changes/additions
    1. Modifications to Rule 132
    2. Development of new Rule for new services (residential rule, others)
    3. Other Rule to delineate waiver operational requirements

January - March 2011

  1. 1915(c) waiver (continued)
    1. Continue development of required processes and policies/procedures in all areas
    2. Development of MIS changes based on specifications
    3. CMS comments on application received by end of April 2011 (end of 120 day clock)
    4. Issue procurements (RFPs, RFQs, other)
    5. Initiate DHS/DMH personnel recruitment and hiring for management waiver
  2. Finalize all required Rule language
  3. Obtain required public input on all Rules changes

April - June 2011

  1. Respond in writing to CMS comments by end of May 2011
  2. 1915(c) waiver (continued)
    1. Continue development of required processes and policies/procedures in all areas
    2. Initiate certification of providers
    3. Continue development of MIS changes based on specifications
    4. Select vendor(s) and initiate contract negotiations
    5. Finalize hiring of all DHS/DMH waiver management staff
  3. Finalize Rule making (JCAR)

July - September 2011

  1. Receive CMS comments by end of July 2011 (end of 90 day clock)
  2. Submit final waiver edits for CMS approval by end of August 2011
  3. Obtain final CMS sign off by end of September 2011 (they can take up to 90 days)
  4. 1915(c) waiver (continued)
    1. Continue development of required processes and policies/procedures in all areas
    2. Finalize certification of initial providers
    3. Test MIS changes based on specifications
    4. Finalize contracts with vendor(s) and with providers
    5. Train new DHS/DMH waiver operations staff
    6. Train waiver services providers
      1. Providers need minimum of 60 days for billing set up and testing
    7. Provide information to potential waiver participants
    8. Test all processes and flows
  5. Waiver enrollment begins within 30 days of formal CMS approval of waiver (by end of October 2011)