Thank you for the opportunity to provide comment on behalf of our one million members on enhanced home- and community-based services (HCBS) funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). AARP Virginia believes the additional federal dollars can greatly expand on the current work your department is doing to serve more Virginians in the community. We welcome the opportunity to work with DMAS to enhance the work already in progress.
Specifically, these funds could be used to:
Finally, we thank you for engaging the public and community partners as you consider how to apply the FMAP increase. Virginia has a tremendous opportunity to leverage federal dollars to respond to our long-term care needs and improve the lives of many older Virginians. Please reach out if AARP Virginia can be helpful in any way in responding to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.