OHHS, OHA Provide Financial Assistance to State’s Adult Day Health Centers Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic
Funding will support agencies resuming programming in Phase 3 that benefits older adults with daytime care needs
PROVIDENCE, RI – As part of Governor Raimondo’s efforts to strengthen Rhode Island’s long-term care system, the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (OHHS) and the Office of Healthy Aging (OHA) today announced a joint effort to provide financial support to Rhode Island’s adult day health centers that are resuming operations as part of Phase 3. Funding will come in the form of a 30-day retainer payment to those facilities serving Medicaid or OHA At-Home Cost-Share clients.
“We continue to explore opportunities to support our partners during this time,” said Medicaid Program Director Benjamin Shaffer. “Adult day health centers are critical lifelines for so many older adults and families in Rhode Island. I am pleased to join forces with OHA to support these centers’ reopening and ensure clients have the essential services they need to thrive.”
Day health centers offer programming for older Rhode Islanders with care needs during day-time hours, allowing them to remain in their homes and connected to their communities for longer. Among the services provided are therapeutic activities, transportation, nutrition programs, and health and personal care assistance. There are 32 adult day health centers across the state.
“Our work to empower Rhode Islanders to age strong would not be possible without our partners – especially during this pandemic,” said OHA Director Rose Jones. “Our families, businesses, and economy have been hit hard. We must continue to work together and find creative ways to not only weather this storm but come out stronger on the other end. I am grateful to our day health centers and to OHHS for their continued partnership and commitment to promoting healthy aging for all Rhode Islanders.”
To participate in this funding opportunity, eligible centers can bill Medicaid or OHA to receive a one-time payment for clients who were unable to access needed services due to the COVID-19 pandemic; the State will process payment as if the individual received the services. Facilities can only receive these payments for a 30-day period, per client. The State will seek federal approval to extend this funding assistance, as needed. Centers will receive more information on the payment process this week.
“We appreciate the state’s support for the critical adult day services industry as it works to create a more resilient system of care now and after the COVID crisis,” said LeadingAge RI Executive Director James Nyberg. “These retainer payments will be necessary to allow centers to operate safely at a reduced capacity and care for our most frail older Rhode Islanders in the community. Indeed, this funding, and additional relief made possible by OHHS and OHA, will help support the industry’s very survival.”
For more information on Rhode Island Medicaid programs, visit www.eohhs.ri.gov. For more information on OHA’s At-Home Cost Share program or to find an adult day health center near you, visit www.oha.ri.gov.