The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is investing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to create a statewide home and community-based services (HCBS) grant program. The ARPA HCBS Grants offer an exciting opportunity for entities active in the state's Medicaid HCBS system to apply for $25,000 to $2 million in grant funds.

The program goal is to disburse grants across all Medicaid HCBS programs, distribute funds geographically across the state in both rural and urban areas, and support diverse organizations and populations served. Grant funding will strengthen the HCBS system and support quality and innovation in the delivery of HCBS in Wisconsin.

For example, grants may be used to:

• Support organizations and providers as they recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Develop and implement specialized training for direct care workers and managers.
• Help individuals with intellectual, developmental, and other significant disabilities find and retain work.
• Improve person-centered planning and implementation.
• Increase specialized care, services, and engagement for individuals with dementia, autism, children’s long-term care needs, or persons with other disabilities.  
• Expand the use of technology and telehealth by assisting HCBS providers with supplies and equipment.
• Reduce disparities and improve access to a diverse and culturally competent pool of HCBS providers.
• Develop other innovative ideas to improve HCBS services.
• Prepare information, including public health and educational materials, in accessible formats for people getting HCBS.
• Promote access to technology to facilitate human connection for people getting HCBS and their caregivers.
• Support quality initiatives that improve services and supports, and increase community engagement.
• Fund recruitment and retention activities for direct services workers of Medicaid HCBS providers.
• Purchase personal protective equipment and routine COVID-19 tests for direct services workers.