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Money Follows the Person

What is the Indiana Money Follows the Person program?

A large number of individuals are admitted to institutions each year but are able to return home after a short stay. However, there are also many who have assistance needs that require a complexity of care that results in institutional residency.

This is where Indiana's Money Follows the Person program may be able to help.

The MFP program is funded through a grant from the federal agency, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The MFP program was developed to help states move individuals from institutional settings to home- and community-based settings. Indiana was approved for the MFP program in 2007 and since that time has focused on assisting eligible persons to leave institutional care by providing services for individuals to live safely in their community.

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Who is eligible for Indiana's MFP program?

An applicant must be living in an institution to be eligible for Indiana's MFP program.

To apply for Indiana's MFP program, a person must meet specific institutional placement criteria. This criteria varies, depending on the qualifying institution at which the person is currently residing. The applicant must be a resident of a qualifying institution for at least ninety (90) consecutive days or more.

In addition to the placement requirements, a person wishing to participate in Indiana's MFP program must also meet the following conditions:

  • They must have needs that can be met safely through services available in the community;
  • They must be an Indiana Medicaid eligible recipient at least one day prior to discharge from the institution; and
  • They must meet the minimum requirements for a funding source that is currently partnering with Indiana's MFP program.

Once enrolled in the MFP program, the above conditions must be maintained throughout the MFP program participation period.

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What does Indiana's MFP program do?

Indiana's MFP Program is designed to assist individuals in moving from a qualifying institution to return to their community. While it is possible to leave an institution without the MFP program, some persons find the additional supports from the MFP Program to be extremely helpful:

Program Enrollment
A transition nurse and transition specialist work with the MFP participant to identify their needs and possible supports, as well as discuss the changes that will occur in the participant's life once they leave the institution. They will work to ensure that the participant's return to the community is safe and satisfactory.

Transition to the Community
As part of the "transition" process, Indiana’s MFP program can help locate a place to live, as well as arrange for needed funding for medical, rehabilitative, home health and other services in the community. Many of these services can be funded by Medicaid or the MFP program.

Participation Period
An Indiana MFP participant completes their transition and enters the participation phase of the program on the day they are discharged from the qualifying institution and begin living in the community. Each participant has a MFP case manager that coordinates and manages the variety of services and supports the participant will be receiving.

Participation in Indiana's MFP program lasts for 365 days. During this time, the participant’s case manager monitors their safety and well-being and assists in ensuring that their community-based needs are being met.

At the end of 365 participation days in the MFP program, funding for the supports received by the participant will change from the MFP program to a partnering funding source. The MFP case manager will work to ensure the change in funding is as seamless as possible and the participant does not have a break in services or supports.

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What exactly is a "partnering funding source"? Why can't I just stay with MFP?

Indiana's MFP program is specifically designed as a transition program, to assist individuals who live in a qualifying institution to move safely into the community and to ensure a safe adjustment to community living. Indiana's MFP program is not a permanent funding source and can only fund a participant for 365 participation days.

Federal regulations for the MFP program require that a MFP participant receive 'Continuity of Care' following their participation in the program. Indiana's MFP program does this by ensuring that the participant is enrolled and supported in the community by a "partnering funding source," such as an Indiana Home- and Community-Based Services waiver or Medicaid Rehabilitation Option services.

The partnering funding source is determined prior to returning to the community. It is chosen by the participant, with the assistance of a MFP transition nurse and a MFP transition specialist, based on the needs and abilities of the participant and any specific requirements of the funding source. Once in the community, the MFP case manager meets with the participant regularly to ensure that they continue to meet the eligibility criteria for that funding source throughout the 365-day participation period.

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What about housing assistance? Will MFP give me a place to live or pay my rent/mortgage for me?

No, the MFP program cannot pay for rent or a mortgage. However, MFP transition specialists and MFP case managers can assist in locating housing that the participant will be able to afford, if needed, as well as with researching and applying for housing assistance.

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In what areas of the state will the MFP program operate?

Indiana's MFP program is available to eligible persons state-wide.

Providers of services to persons enrolled in Indiana's MFP program must be approved by the Indiana Division of Aging, and must meet specific provider enrollment requirements and guidelines. This means it is possible that desired or necessary supports or services may not be available in some communities. For this reason, discussion with a MFP transition specialist is required when completing a service plan.

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What if I am transferring to Indiana from an institution in another state?

It is possible that you will still be able to participate in Indiana’s MFP program, but each case is different since qualifying institutions vary by state. Please contact your INconnect Alliance member at 1-800-713-9023 to discuss your specific situation.

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What if I am already an MFP recipient in my state? Can I move to Indiana and keep my services?

It is possible that you could qualify. Please contact your INconnect Alliance member at 1-800-713-9023  to discuss your specific situation.

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How do I know if I want to apply? Do I have to do this? Are there other options?

It is possible to leave an institution without MFP assistance. Applying for the MFP program is simply one option among many that you may consider.

The Indiana Division of Aging provides information and assistance to individuals regarding institutional residency and possible community alternatives. Enabling persons to make informed choices is a priority of both the Division of Aging and the MFP program.

To receive information regarding all available choices and options in Indiana other than institutional residency, you may contact a local Aging and Disability Resource Center.

To contact someone specifically about Indiana's MFP program, please contact your INconnect Alliance member at 1-800-713-9023.

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Do I have the MFP program in my state?

Not every state has applied for the MFP program, and not every state runs their program in the same way. A list of contact names and emails for the states that have been approved for the MFP program can be found at this webpage: http://www.medicaid.gov/State-Resource-Center/Medicaid-State-Technical-Assistance/Money-Follows-the-Person-Tech-Assist/List-of-MFP-Grantees.html

Remember, even if your state does not have the MFP program, there may be other assistance available from your local and state government agencies.

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