There are two levels of funding committees for home and community-based services (HCBS): The designated agency Local Funding Committee, and the State Funding Committee.
Local Funding Committee
The Designated Agency (DA) Local Funding Committee reviews the funding proposal first. The role of the Local Funding Committee is to verify the individual's clinical eligibility; determine if the individual's needs meet a funding priority; and determine if the proposed plan of services is the most cost-effective means of providing the service.
If the individual does not meet a funding priority, the agency will put the person on a waiting list and explore other services by the agency or community services or supports for which the individual may be eligible. See Understanding the Developmental Disabilities Services Waiting List: Better Reporting-Better Outcomes for a brief description of the collection of waiting list information by service providers.
Waiting List Guidance FY24 - Definition, Process and submitting the spreadsheet guidance
State Funding Committee
If the Local Funding Committee determines that an individual meets the clinical eligibility and a funding priority, the funding proposal is submitted to one of the two statewide funding committees for consideration.
- The Public Safety Funding Committee reviews funding proposals for individuals who pose a risk to public safety (generally due to a history of violent or sexually criminal behavior.)
- The Equity Funding Committee reviews all funding proposals that are not reviewed by the Public Safety Funding Committee.
The State funding committee verifies the Local Funding Committee's determination about whether the individual's needs are met with the funding priority, the proposed plan of services is the most cost-effective means of providing the service, all other possible resources for meeting the need has been explored, and whether all funding guidance has been followed.
The State committee makes a recommendation regarding the funding to the Director of Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD), who makes the final decision. The DA notifies the individual of the Director's decision and his/her appeal rights, as needed.
Authorized Funding Limit
When the funding request has been approved by the State, the DA provides the person with an authorized funding limit, which is the amount of money that is available to purchase the approved services to meet the individual's needs. Once the individual has been authorized for funding, he/she may then choose an agency that will provide these services.
The person may choose to receive services from the DA or Specialized Service Agency (SSA), or the person may choose to self/family-manage some or all of his/her services.
Re-Assessment
Once an individual starts receiving services, his/her needs and authorized funding limit are re-assessed annually or when the individual's circumstances change.
Resources
Visual flow chart that describes the Developmental Disabilities Services Application and Assessment Processes and Development of the Individual Support Agreement and Budget.
Home and Community-Based Services and Public Safety Funding Priorities
Vermont State System of Care Plan for Developmental Disabilities Services