DDS Secures Expanded Federal Funding

California Department of Developmental Services Secures Expanded Federal Funding for Community-Based Services

Approval of State Plan Amendment allows state to utilize federal funding for persons with developmental disabilities

Sacramento, May 1, 2013– The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) announced an agreement today with federal authorities that will provide approximately $600 million in federal funds and more than $160 million annually in future years for community-based services that serve Californians with developmental disabilities.

Approval of this State Plan Amendment (SPA) by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) furthers the partnership between California and the federal government in funding community-based services and is the first in the nation approved by CMS under Section 1915(i) specifically for persons with developmental disabilities. The SPA approval allows California to access federal funding for services, such as residential supports, day programs and respite, provided to individuals who do not meet the “institutional level of care” eligibility criteria of the current Medicaid HCBS Waiver. 

In May 2009, DDS, in conjunction with DHCS, developed the amendment to ensure adequate funding for community-based services to Medi-Cal eligible individuals.  This additional funding helps stabilize the DDS system that supports and serves individuals with developmental disabilities in California. 

“CMS approval of the 1915(i) SPA will enable the state to receive over $600 million in federal funding from October 2009 through the current fiscal year and more than $160 million annually in the future,” said DDS Director Terri Delgadillo. “Our top priority at DDS is to preserve the Lanterman Act entitlement to services and the State Plan Amendment will help ensure individuals with developmental disabilities receive the services they need to live independent and productive lives in the community.”

For more information on DDS, visit www.dds.ca.gov.