DHS Conducting Survey of HCBS Transportation Provider Costs

Posted on July 17, 2018 by Jeff Bostic

As we have covered previously, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is conducting numerous studies this summer that are related to reports it is required to submit to the 2019 Legislature. In addition to a study Elderly Waiver rates and of Adult Day Services, DHS is also reviewing rates and availability of transportation services for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver clients.  

The transportation study has two works groups advising DHS and Navigant, the contractor for the study. One group is looking at rates and the other group is focused on access.  

The cost survey of transportation providers for HCBS recipients is evaluating the actual cost of providing the service against the rates. The survey is available here; scroll down to Rate Study Materials to download the file. The survey is due Tuesday, August 14. 

We encourage members, particularly those who provide a significant amount of transportation for their Adult Day or other waiver clients, to participate in the survey so that there is a strong basis of information on which to analyze the cost of transportation services and what rates should be paid. 

Members should be aware that DHS and Navigant will be doing another transportation survey later this summer focused more on current capacity and gaps in access as opposed to the cost of providing the service. We will also share that survey when it is available. 

In the meantime, the study web page has a feedback form that encourage members to use to share their thoughts and concerns with DHS and Navigant as they work on the report to the Legislature.