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SB 345

AN ACT relating to Medicaid waiver program coverage for community interveners.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Julie Adams and 2 co-sponsors

Kentucky would add trained “community interveners” as a covered service under the Michelle P waiver, pending CMS approval and new state regulations on training, enrollment, and pay

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Bill Summary · SB 345

Summary of SB 345 (2026 Session, Kentucky)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill seeks to authorize, under the Kentucky Michelle P. waiver program, coverage for a new provider type called “community interveners.” These are trained service providers who assist deaf-blind individuals in accessing communication, environmental information, and community activities using tactile, visual, auditory, or other individualized methods. The overarching goals are to support independent living, self-determination, and full participation in home and community settings for deaf-blind individuals.

Key provisions

  • Definition of community intervener (Section 1(1))

    • A trained service provider who helps a deaf-blind individual engage with communication, environmental information, and community activities using individualized methods to promote independence.

  • Medicaid waivers and coverage (Section 1(2)(a))

    • If approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), community interveners would become a recognized provider type within Kentucky’s Michelle P waiver program.
    • The Michelle P waiver would then provide coverage for community intervener services for deaf-blind individuals.

  • Regulatory framework and implementation timeline (Section 1(2)(b))

    • Within 90 days after CMS approval to cover community intervener services, the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services must promulgate administrative regulations (per KRS Chapter 13A) to implement the provision, including:
    • Training and qualification requirements for community interveners.
    • Provider enrollment process for community interveners.
    • Authorized services that community interveners may provide.
    • Reimbursement rates for community intervener services.

  • Federal authorization and funding safeguards (Section 2)

    • If state plan amendments or federal approvals are necessary to implement Section 1 to avoid loss of federal funds or to comply with federal law:
    • The Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Department for Medicaid Services must request the required federal authorization within 90 days of the effective date of Section 2. The department may delay only those aspects of Section 1 that require federal approval, until such approval is granted.

  • Legislative authority reference (Section 3)

    • Sections 1 and 2 are declared the specific authorization required under KRS 205.5372(1).

Who would be affected

  • Deaf-blind individuals who qualify for the Michelle P waiver program, as they would gain access to a new category of covered services via community interveners.
  • Providers: Training organizations and individuals who would become certified community interveners, subject to CMS approval and state regulations.
  • Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services and Cabinet for Health and Family Services: Responsible for obtaining necessary federal approvals, creating enrollment processes, setting training/qualification standards, defining covered services, and establishing reimbursement rates.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • CMS approval is a gating condition for establishing community interveners as an approved provider type under the Michelle P waiver.
  • After CMS approval, the state has up to 90 days to promulgate regulations implementing the program, including provider qualifications, enrollment, covered services, and payment rates.
  • If federal authorization is required to proceed, the state must request it within 90 days of the act’s effective date and may delay only the portions needing federal approval.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Expands Medicaid waiver services to include specialized support for deaf-blind individuals, potentially improving access to communication and community participation.
  • Creates a formal regulatory framework for a new provider type, which could involve training standards, credentialing, and reimbursement structures.
  • Relies on CMS approval; outcomes depend on federal determinations and the speed of implementing regulations at the state level.
  • Fiscal impact will depend on approved reimbursement rates and the scope of services authorized under the waiver.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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