DHS HCBS Rate Review

The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) is currently conducting a legislatively mandated rate review for intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) and behavioral health services included in the home and community-based services manual and delivered via managed care by Provider-led Arkansas Shared Savings Entities (PASSEs).

Alert! Providers are being asked to fill out the Provider Cost and Wage Survey (below) by June 27, 2025.

Purpose of Rate Review: Establish minimum fee schedule rates, in accordance with Act 1023.

Timeline: Draft rates are anticipated to be finalized by October 1, 2025. 

Scope of Rate Review: Services included in the rate review include:

• Supportive Living
• Respite
• Supported Employment / Supportive Employment
• Consultation Services
• Adult Rehabilitation Services (RDS)
• Behavioral Assistance
• Child and Youth Support Services
• Crisis Stabilization Intervention
• Peer Support
• Adult Life Skills Development / Supportive Life Skills (Adult/Youth)
• Pharmacologic Counseling by a Registered Nurse
• Supportive Housing
• Residential Community Reintegration Program
• Therapeutic Communities (Level 1, Level 2, new Level 3)

Provider Cost and Wage Survey: DEADLINE – FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2025

Who should complete the survey? All providers delivering HCBS services included in the rate review (see list above).

Why is this survey important? The data submitted by you and other providers will offer crucial insights into the HCBS under review and support the development of payment rate assumptions.

When is the survey due? June 27, 2025

Type of Survey	Who Completes It?	Survey Link and Resources
Abbreviated online survey	• Providers serving less than 20 PASSE members annually • Providers that do not deliver Therapeutic Community or Supported Living – Group Home services	Click here to submit the online survey This survey is designed to be completed in one sitting. If you would like to preview the survey questions in advance, click here for a pdf version. If you begin the survey and decide to restart, email us at [email protected] and we will remove the incomplete survey.
Full Excel-based survey	• Providers serving 20 or more PASSE members annually • Therapeutic community providers • Supported Living – Group Home providers	Click here to download the Excel-based survey. Click here to download the survey instructions. Click here for Frequently Asked Questions. DHS held a virtual training session for the survey on June 11, 2025. Please see below a link to a recording of the session and a copy of the Training Slides:   AR HCBS Provider Survey Training Recording Provider Survey Training Slides

What if I have questions or need additional support when completing the survey? Questions may be submitted at any time to: [email protected]

Opportunities for Stakeholder Input: Multiple opportunities are available to provide feedback:

• All-stakeholder virtual meetings
  DHS held an initial kick-off meeting on May 9, 2025 (see link to materials below) and will hold a second all-stakeholder meeting to review the draft results of the rate review (anticipated in September 2025).
  
  All-Stakeholder Meeting Slides (May 9)
  All Stakeholder Meeting Recording (May 9)

• Provider Cost and Wage Survey – Due June 27, 2025
  DHS is asking all providers that deliver the services under review to respond to a special survey designed to further understand service delivery costs.
  

• Provider Technical Workgroup
  This workgroup will provide subject matter expertise on the costs of services under review, provide input on the provider survey, and provide feedback on draft rates and related payment rate assumptions. Workgroup members reflect the wide range of providers and service types included in the rate review.

• Dedicated project email
  Questions and comments are accepted at any point by emailing [email protected]