It Is Music Time LLC

07/22/2026

It really does feel like everything, everywhere, all at once.

New Medicaid Waiver rules go into effect August 1. The state has announced a rate reduction for live-in caregivers who provide waiver services. FSSA has also released its implementation plan for Medicaid work requirements.

That is a lot of information. And we know it is confusing.

In this special edition of Ask The Arc, we will talk through:
• Who can be a paid caregiver under the new waiver rules
• The live-in caregiver rate reduction and what it really means
• Medicaid work requirements

We know individuals, families, caregivers, and providers have questions, so please join us for this live webinar and get your questions answered.

Register here: https://bit.ly/Ask_the_Arc

06/26/2026

The State is now asking case managers to explicitly show Integrated Supports for every single outcome listed on an individual's PCISP (Person-Centered Individualized Support Plan).

​What does this mean? 🤔

​Moving forward, a goal cannot rely solely on Paid Supports (like waiver funded hours or staffing). Instead, the State wants to see a balanced combination of paid services working hand-in-hand with non-paid, organic resources. Each goal/outcome needs to weave together a mix of:

​Paid Supports & Other Eligible Supports (Direct care, therapies, and covered waiver services)

​Technology (Smart devices, adaptive tools, and apps that build independence)

​Client Strengths (Leveraging the individual's existing skills, interests, and capabilities)

​Relationships (Natural supports from family, friends, and social networks)

​Community Resources (Utilizing local groups, parks, libraries, and public spaces)

​Why the shift? 📈

​The core philosophy here is simple: the more integrated the network of support around an outcome is, the better and more sustainable those outcomes will be. When we look beyond only paid staffing and build a holistic web of technology, community presence, and natural relationships, we create a more robust path toward true independence and community inclusion.

​👥 Providers & Families: As you head into upcoming team meetings and annual PCISP updates, expect to collaborate with your case manager on how to intentionally blend these options together for every goal.

​🔗 Stay informed on waiver updates and policy shifts at www.mtacf.org

06/12/2026

In a recent IHCP (Indiana Health Coverage Programs) Bulletin, they announced the updated requirements for providing service delivery and accounting records to consumers. Individuals and their guardians may request a copy of these records and providers have the responsibility to comply with requests within 30 calendar days.

Updates like these are available at in.gov/medicaid/providers and the Indiana Music Therapy Task Force will continue to share publicly changes that impact those receiving or providing music therapy in Indiana.

06/11/2026

One of the most common questions we continue to receive is whether the August 2026 waiver amendments are the same as Indiana's upcoming waiver reset. The answer is no. The August amendments focus on immediate structural changes, including case management transitions, caregiver caps, service definiti...

06/09/2026

05/31/2026

📢 ATTN: Indiana Medicaid HCBS Waiver Providers & Families
Important updates are coming to waiver billing transparency. In compliance with House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1277, effective July 1, 2026, new document delivery requirements will go into effect for 1915(c) Medicaid HCBS waiver providers (Provider Type 32).

💡 Know Your Rights (For Families & Self-Advocates):
Individuals receiving services and their legal guardians have a right to know exactly how their waiver budget is being utilized. By law, any waiver provider is required to deliver these records upon your request.
Under these new transparency requirements, individuals or legal guardians can request:
Service Delivery Accounting Records: To track budget usage and service delivery (available up to once per calendar quarter).
Itemized Statements of Services Billed: Must be provided in plain, easy-to-understand language (available up to twice per calendar year).

⏰ Strict Timeline for Providers: Once a family or individual makes a request, the waiver provider is legally required to deliver the statements and accounting records within 30 calendar days. Let's work together to ensure clear access, complete transparency, and strong compliance across Indiana's waiver system!

❓ Questions? Download the full bulletin (BT202687) at in.gov/medicaid/providers.

05/26/2026

What's next for youth waiver services in Indiana? Here is what we just learned!

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) shared crucial milestones for the upcoming youth framework during the DDRS Advisory Council meeting on May 20, 2026 (now available on FSSA YouTube channel).

This major transition represents a massive step forward in building a predictable, sustainable system for families. By using data-driven tools to look closely at milestone development, the state is shifting toward a model that makes sure funding truly matches a young person's daily care needs.While the exact list of available service options is still being finalized by state planners, the structural foundation is being poured right now.

Change can feel daunting, but having a clear timeline and understanding the state's goals allows us to prepare, adapt, and make our voices heard during the planning phases.

MTACF is confident that BDDS recognizes the value and impact of music therapy, and while service arrays haven't been announced yet, our conversations with everyone involved has us confident that music therapy will be represented on this waiver!

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