Moving Assistance
Definition
Moving Assistance Services are individually designed services intended to transport a waiver participant's possessions and furnishings. This service can be used when the waiver participant must be moved from an inadequate or unsafe housing situation to a viable environment which more adequately meets the waiver participant's health and welfare needs and alleviates the risk of unwanted nursing home placement. Moving Assistance may also be utilized when the waiver participant is moving to a location where more natural supports will be available, and thus allows the waiver participant to remain in the community in a supportive environment.
Moving Assistance is only available to waiver participants who do not reside in nursing homes. It differs from CTS as CTS is only available to waiver participants who are transitioning from a nursing home. The funding limits for this service are separate and apart from the limits applied to CTS, and the two services must not be used at the same time in any approved SP.
Moving Assistance must be included in the SP and may not exceed $5,000 per twelve (12) month period. The SC must obtain three bids from licensed moving companies if the bids are over $1,000. In a unique situation, any requests over $5,000 per twelve (12) month period must be approved by DOH.
Provider Qualifications
A not-for profit or for profit health and human service agency that provides Service Coordination can be approved to provide Moving Assistance. This does not have to be the same agency providing Service Coordination to the participant. Someone other than the SC may be the individual responsible for arranging Moving Assistance. The Service Coordination agency must designate an individual with the necessary competencies to work with subcontractors who will be utilized for Moving Assistance. The Service Coordination agency will subcontract with licensed certified (by NYS Dept. of Transportation) moving companies to provide this service. A participant may choose from the list of Moving Assistance companies from which they will receive the bids.
Approval Process for Moving Assistance
| Step 1 | The participant, SC, and anyone selected by the participant, discuss if a move is necessary; |
|---|---|
| Step 2 | If necessary, then the participant may choose an approved provider of Moving Assistance; |
| Step 3 | The Moving Assistance provider works with the participant to select a moving company; |
| Step 4 | The moving company submits an estimate to the Moving Assistance provider; |
| Step 5 | If the estimate is under $1,000, the Moving Assistance provider submits the estimate to the participant's SC; NOTE: If the cost of this service is greater than $1,000, three (3) bids must be obtained and submitted by the Moving Assistance provider to the participant's SC, along with the Moving Assistance Description and Cost Projection form. When the SC determines that the continued delay due to lack of the required number of bids is jeopardizing the participant's health and welfare the SC must contact the RRDS. The RRDS will consult with DOH and will notify the SC if they can proceed without the required three bids; |
| Step 6 | The SC completes the Moving Assistance Description and Cost Projection form (refer to Appendix C - form C.7), reviews the form with the participant and both the participant and SC sign the form; |
| Step 7 | If necessary, the SC sends the form to the Moving Assistance provider for their signature and Medicaid provider number; |
| Step 8 | The Moving Assistance provider returns the completed form to the participant's SC; |
| Step 9 | The SC submits the completed Moving Assistance Description and Cost Projection form with an Initial or Revised Service Plan, or an Addendum to the RRDS for approval; |
| Step 10 | The RRDS reviews and approves the costs for the move or makes suggestions before the move is approved; |
| Step 11 | The RRDS sends a copy of the approved form back to the SC; |
| Step 12 | The SC notifies the Moving Assistance provider that the participant has been approved for the move; |
| Step 13 | The Moving Assistance provider completes and signs the Waiver Services Final Cost form (refer to Appendix C - form C.11) with the participant; |
| Step 14 | The Moving Assistance provider sends the Waiver Services Final Cost form to the SC who signs off and submits it to the RRDS; |
| Step 15 | The RRDS reviews the Waiver Services Final Cost form and completes the RRDS Approval of Final Cost form. The RRDS provides a copy of the RRDS Approval of Final Cost form to the Moving Assistance provider and SC; |
| Step 16 | The Moving Assistance provider seeks reimbursement after receiving a copy of the NOD from the SC. |
Reimbursement
Moving Assistance must be documented in the SP and provided by agencies approved by DOH.
This Service is reimbursed on a cost basis. Total reimbursement for Moving Assistance must not exceed $5,000 per twelve (12) month period. This may include a ten percent (10%) administrative fee payable to the Moving Assistance provider. Requests above $5,000 per twelve (12) month period must be approved by DOH.
