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How States Maximize Federal Funding

There are other federal programs besides Medicaid which influence state financing decisions. Supplemental Security Income(SSI) is a federal disability benefit program which provides different incentives for care between large facilities and in the community.

When SSI-eligible individuals reside in a nursing or intermediate care facility, they are only eligible to continue receiving a small personal needs allowance of approximately $30/month. If SSI-eligible individuals live instead in a group home, board and care home, or a private residence, they can receive the full amount of SSI for which they are eligible, including any state-funded supplement, which can be used to pay for the costs of their room and board. Clients receiving HCBW services may also receive food stamps, which is a federal benefit. In addition, many clients who receive HCBW services are also eligible to receive services funded from other federal block grant programs, such as special education, job training, vocational rehabilitation, etc. The federal Title XX and Social Services Block Grant are another source of funds for clients served by community-based services.

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