CALA News & Views | Issue 48 | Impact

transitioning current enrollees into CalAIM and to allow time to build up provider networks in the counties not currently participating in the ALW.

DHCS opened a month-long comment period to the public in September leading up to submission of the ALW renewal to CMS to be implemented prior to the expiration of the waiver on Feb. 29, 2024. DHCS has stated they only intend to make minor technical changes but could submit waiver amendments based on stakeholder comments after the waiver is approved. CALA provided comments for the ALW renewal that highlighted the need for DHCS to address low reimbursement rates that do not account for regional variations in wages and the cost of providing care and rising minimum wages and other wage pressures in the waiver counties. During the 2019 renewal process, CALA and other stakeholders were able to get significant changes to the waiver, such as not requiring kitchenettes in all rooms when it conflicts with Title 22 and allowing use of centralized showers as needed for residents that need assistance, which better allow for providers to accommodate residents with dementia in the ALW program. CALA will continue to engage with DHCS on the ALW and monitor this change to CalAIM. Providers that choose to partner with managed care health plans to provide Assisted Living services could see higher reimbursement rates as they will negotiate rates directly with the plans and there will be no state set rates. CALA is included in a learning collaborative to help managed care plans understand Assisted Living and begin building connections between providers and plans and will be working with members to provide education on this new program.

" Our organization is proud to be part of the CALA community. We rely on CALA to keep us informed regarding regulatory updates, to advocate on our behalf in Sacramento, and to provide resources as needed. I especially appreciate that we can ask questions of other CALA members and learn best practices from other communities.”

MARY LINDE, CEO, HERITAGE ON THE MARINA

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SAVE THE DATES!

2024 CALA CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOWS June 3-5 Hyatt Regency Hotel and Safe Credit Union Convention Center, Sacramento November 4-6 Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel & Palm Springs Convention Center

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