Issue 8 | January 2026

Announcements

ODP – Performance Based Contracting for Supports Coordination Organizations and Amendments

As of January 1, 2026, the approved amendments by The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) for Performance Based Contracting for Waivers and the Consolidated, Community Living and P/FDS Waivers went into effect. In addition to Performance Based Contracting there are a number of notable changes made to Appendix E-1-m that pertain to PDS. Below are a few highlights of the changes to E-1-m along with a link to the Waiver Amendments document.

American Sign Language (ASL)

All ASL interpreters must be registered with the Pennsylvania Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Billing for ASL services must now to be billed in 15-minute units.

Assistive Technology

The lifetime limit for Assistive Technology (AT) has been replaced by a $3,000 per fiscal year limit. Individuals who need AT that exceeds the $3,000 limit can request additional funding through the ODP variance process.

Oversight of FMS Entities

With health, wellness, and safety always a priority in self-direction, this has led to changes when it comes to the FMS and their role in self-direction. These changes include more collaborative monitoring amongst the SCOs, AEs, CLE’s and MEs to ensure the health and safety of the participants.

As part of these changes, it also gives SCO’s and AE’s intervene under the guidance of ODP to issue corrective actions if the participant, CLE, ME, or surrogate refuses to collaborate with the SC in receiving the service plan or implementing necessary actions to address participants health, safety or service delivery concerns can or will result in termination of services in accordance with Appendix E-1-m. 

These are a few examples of the recent changes E-1-m. Read all the changes in complete detail.

ODP Record of Change

Waiver Implementation, Renewals, and Amendments

Federal Transportation Reimbursement

Effective January 1, 2026, the notice of change to the Federal Reimbursement of Transportation is now $0.725 per mile.

Review the ODP announcement of transportation cost reimbursement change

Resources

Conflict Resolution

Conflict is an inevitable part of human interaction, whether in the workplace, in the community, or at home. Knowing when to act and how to respond can make the difference in turning a “conflict” into a learning experience with a positive outcome.

The University of Michigan's Office of Student Conflict Resolution shares Tips and Tools for Constructive Conflict Resolution.  

PA Family Network

The PA Family Network is a network group created by family members and self-advocates supporting one another throughout the lifespan. Families can join the PA Family Network in any of their upcoming workshops to connect, support, and network with others throughout Pennsylvania. 

PCs for People

With the mission of making digital equity a reality, PCs for People is a national nonprofit that refurbishes and recycles computers that would otherwise end up in landfills. Once refurbished, the computers are made available at a low affordable cost.

More information on PCs for People

Upcoming Events

Supports Broker Monthly Network Meetings

• Wednesday January 21, 2026, at 4 pm
• Wednesday February 18, 2026, at 4 pm
• Wednesday March 18, 2026, at 4 pm

Supports Broker Recertification Course

• January 30. 2026 – 9 am to 4 pm
• February 19, 2026 – 9 am to 4 pm
• April 16, 2026 – 9 am to 4 pm
• May 11, 2026 – 9 am to 4 pm
• June 16, 2026 – 9 am to 4 pm

PLEASE NOTE: If you were certified in the 2023 fiscal year (July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023) the above date is the only remaining courses for this fiscal year (2026).

Photo credit: "Golden Eagle Trail (Full Hike) (17)" by Nicholas_T is licensed under CC BY 2.0.