American Rescue Plan Act Gives States Opportunity to Invest in Transition Services and Housing
November 23, 2021
Section 9817 of the American Rescue Plan Act gives states an opportunity to receive a 10% increase in the federal medical assistance program (FMAP) for Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) through March 31, 2022. States submitted spending plans to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for review; most states have received approval or partial approval pending clarifying questions from CMS. States are using these one-time funds to support transitions from institutional settings into the community through housing navigation, employment placement, assistance with transition costs and other social determinant supports, as well as by investing in affordable and accessible housing for HCBS populations to remain within the community.
For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
