Allowing Sufficient Time for Completion of Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Cost Surveys  

In a series of posts, Myers and Stauffer will highlight home and community-based services (HCBS) and rate setting methodologies that can have a tremendous impact on services with state programs. 

States often use cost surveys to capture information for evaluation of rates and the development of new HCBS methodologies. Given the importance of capturing complete cost data from as many providers as possible, allowing providers sufficient time to complete the cost survey is important – the timeframe for data collection influences not only the number of providers who are willing to complete the survey, but also the completeness and accuracy of data received.  

Often, states do not allow sufficient time for survey completion, and consequently, grant multiple extensions throughout the process. More efficiently, states should take into account the objective of the cost survey (waiver renewal, rate assessment, rate rebasing) and plan meaningful timelines, in conjunction with stakeholders if possible. States see better participation when they allow sufficient time for cost survey completion from the start, rather than granting extension after extension. 

Stakeholder communication is an important part of the cost survey and rate-development processes. The state’s timetable should factor sufficient time to allow for discussion, stakeholder input, and time for the state to respond to questions and requests.  

For some states, the analysis of HCBS cost survey information is the final goal in the HCBS cost survey; for others, the final goal is development of a new payment methodology. States should develop work plans that include sufficient time for each of the important elements of the HCBS cost survey process, from design of the cost survey, to collection and analysis of results, to interpretation of findings and rate methodology development.  

How We Can Help 

Myers and Stauffer is currently assisting clients to develop plans to allow for sufficient time to conduct cost surveys, implement rate reimbursement structures, and conduct stakeholder engagement to strengthen HCBS programs. We have the expertise to assist a state in design and execution of cost surveys, and in analysis of resulting data. We work with our clients and stakeholders to create population or program specific solutions that meet each states desired goals and outcomes. For more information, please contact us. 

Myers and Stauffer has been assisting clients to develop cost surveys to help states implement rate reimbursement structures, and conduct stakeholder engagement to strengthen HCBS programs. We haves the expertise to assist a state in design and execution of cost surveys, and in analysis of resulting data. We work with our clients and stakeholders to create population or program specific solutions that meet each states desired goals and outcomes. For more information, please contact us.