Author: Amanda Holt

Community Supports Waiver Presentation

Posted on by Amanda Holt

Jessica Schadel, Program Manager for the new Community Supports Waiver (CSW) will be presenting information on the CSW at our next Community Council meeting.

View more information on the CSW here: Community Supports Waiver

Meeting Information:

Thursday, February 26, 2026
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

LCC Cardinal Event Center
1306 Main, Parsons, KS 67357

HCBS Final Rule

Posted on by Amanda Holt

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has published rules to protect persons receiving home and community-based (HCBS) services.

Below is a slideshow with additional information concerning Final Rule and the individual rights that are being protected. Click through to learn more.

For the most up to date information concerning Final Rule, check out the following link to the KDADS website:

https://www.kdads.ks.gov/services-programs/long-term-services-supports/home-and-community-based-services-hcbs-programs/hcbs-settings-final-rule

KanCare Reconsideration Period Policy Update

Posted on by Amanda Holt

Beginning July 1, 2025, Kansas Medicaid is implementing a policy that changes how reconsideration windows work for members submitting a late review. The change is sunsetting flexibilities Kansas Medicaid adopted during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). 

View more information on the updated policy here: Reconsideration Period Policy Update | KanCare

Important Details:

  • Late reviews will now be treated as a new application.
    • Kansas Medicaid may not be able to backdate coverage due to program eligibility.
    • To be considered for backdated coverage, members must respond “yes” to the questions, “If this person is applying, do they need help paying medical bills from the last 3 months?”
      •  Members should only select yes if they have incurred medical bills after their coverage stopped.
  • Submitting renewals on time and keeping contact information updated is the best way to mitigate any potential gap in coverage.

Guided Independent Living Assessment Program (GILA) – Open houses March 5 and April 23, 2026

Posted on by Amanda Holt

Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation (CPRF) is located in Wichita and GILA is a program open to the whole state. It is not waiver funded and is for anyone over the age of 18 with any diagnosis. It is asked that the person has a want to be more independent and thinking about or wanting to live on their own. Each participant needs to be able to be on their own overnight, on weekends, and holidays. GILA provides a safe opportunity for an individual to try living on their own, increase their independent living skills, and have an assessment showing their strengths and where the individual still needs supports. The participant helps set goals to work on areas of independent living and to help with their long term goals.

Guided Independent Living Assessment fact sheet
GILA website
Fact Sheet
Application

MFEI SET TO BEGIN JULY 1, 2025

Posted on by Amanda Holt

The transition from the BASIS assessment to the Medicaid Functional Eligibility Instrument (MFEI) assessment will begin July 1st, 2025.

Remember, initially, we anticipate that it will take us much longer to complete this assessment. Our Assessors must meet with the individual being assessed but the individual does not have to attend the entire assessment. We would like to meet with them at the beginning of the assessment and then they can be excused if they choose to.

There are no documentation requirements, the information needed for the assessment will be gathered during conversations at the meeting. It is important that the people that know the person the best and who can report on their activities for the previous three days be present at the meeting. At a minimum, information should be gathered from those involved in the person’s daily life if they are unable to attend the assessment.

For more information, check out the following link.

https://www.kdads.ks.gov/services-programs/long-term-services-supports/home-and-community-based-services-hcbs/i-dd-waiver-program-modernization/medicaid-functional-eligibility-instrument-mfei-and-interrai-care-planning

InterHab Informational Sessions

Posted on by Amanda Holt

InterHab is hosting virtual informational sessions. Everyone is welcome to attend the sessions, where InterHab will provide updates on IDD advocacy efforts.

Upcoming session dates (all held from 4pm -5pm CST)

  • January 28th, 2026
  • February 11th, 2026
  • February 25th, 2026
  • March 11th, 2026
  • March 25th, 2026
  • April 8th, 2026

To accessess these virtual sessions, use the following connection information:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88507099749?pwd=H4OvJYPLtqSFMjCW0cfIZxaWQuEXqK.1

Meeting ID: 852 7676 2400
Passcode: 827026

For questions, contact Meghan Shreve at mshreve@interhab.org

Voluntary Program for Disabled Persons in Columbus

Posted on by Amanda Holt

Disabled Persons Response and Communication Program (DPRCP)

The Disabled Persons Response and Communication Program (DPRCP) is a voluntary program implemented to assist both residents with special needs and their family members. The program was designed to help residents communicate their unique and individualized needs to first responders as well as assist our first responders during their efforts to modify their response and interactions during an emergency and/or crisis. DPRCP is available to all Columbus residents with special needs including but not limited to mental disabilities, physical disabilities, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This program is also inclusive to anyone who regularly visits Columbus due to employment, education, daycare, etc. and the information provided remains valid for a period of 2 years.

Currently, there are two types of registrations available:

  1. A registration specifically for family/guardians completing the information on behalf of a minor or person in their care
  2. A self-registration form for residents providing information regarding their own needs

After completing the proper registration form, there are also two types of releases available:

  • A release specifically for family/guardians completing the information on behalf of a minor or person in their care
  • A self-release for residents providing information regarding their own needs

By filling out the appropriate registration and release, residents and their parents/guardians are consenting to have this information added to a searchable database. The information provided will be available to law enforcement, paramedics and firefighters responding to a home or any location within Columbus involving a registered participant and will assist with efforts in providing safe, effective and appropriate responses.

If choosing to complete the hard copy versions, these forms can be mailed directly to the Columbus Police Department:

Columbus Police Department
300 E Maple Street
Columbus, KS 66725

If a photo of the registrant is available, it may be mailed with the completed forms. However, it is preferred any photos are e-mailed to columbuspd@columbusks.gov with the subject title including the registrant’s name. In addition, we have provided a more convenient way to register electronically in one easy step.  The electronic versions include both the registration and release in one location and can be sent simply by clicking on “submit”.  If you prefer this method for registration, see this option below where registration forms are provided.

Register Yourself

If you are a person with special needs and you would like to participate in DPRCP, fill out the DPRCP Registration Form and the DPRCP Self Release Form. Forms may be e-mailed to columbuspd@columbusks.gov or they can be mailed and/or hand delivered to the Columbus Police Department at the following address:

Columbus Police Department
300 E Maple Street
Columbus, KS 66725

Disabled Persons Response and CommunicationDownload
DPRCP Self ReleaseDownload
DPRCP ReleaseDownload
DPRCP RegistrationDownload