Indiana Music Therapy Task Force

We asked, and you shared information regarding the individuals you serve and support. This information will continue to help us advocate for music therapy in Indiana and share realistic data to decision makers.

Thank you for your participation!

Earlier this year, we conducted a survey for both individual music therapists and music therapy providers to gather data for our advocacy efforts. Here are the snapshots of the results we received!

We still need your help! While we gathered important data we will use for our discussions around the Waiver reset, we are hoping to learn a little more regarding treatment areas currently being addressed in the state. We created one more short survey that will take no more than 3 minutes of your time and is open to all music therapists in Indiana, regardless of the setting you work in. Please find the link to this survey here: https://forms.gle/j5cBA8iPTdmwf2ou5

This survey will be open for responses until Wednesday, June 17 at noon EST. Thank you for your help!

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.

If you or the people you support are needing a new case management company or are interested in making a change, please see the in person and virtual meet and greet opportunities listed below!

The Bureau of Developmental Services (BDS) recently announced that structure changes will take place and 5 case management organizations (CMOs) will be the chosen providers across all of the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers. This change is in preparation for the upcoming Medicaid Waiver Reset. Additionally, having set providers across the waivers should increase clarity and standards, benefiting the individuals receiving services.

Meet and greets have begun and dates can be found at the following link: https://view.subscription.in.gov/?vawpToken=MP2D55ED5YLE3CKW2U33XY7FYY.130017

If your case management company has been chosen, you do not need to take further action at this time, though you always have the right to change providers.

As Indiana explores changes to the Medicaid waiver system, many music therapists are wondering what a move toward “value-based payment” could mean.

In simple terms, this means services may be evaluated not just by the number of hours provided, but by the outcomes they help people achieve.

Importantly, music therapy is not being singled out. If Indiana adopts this approach, it would likely apply across the full array of waiver services.

This concept is not entirely new to Indiana. We already see outcome-based approaches in systems such as Vocational Rehabilitation, where milestone payments are tied to specific achievements like obtaining and maintaining employment. Transportation stipends are another example of payments tied to accomplishing a defined purpose rather than billing in 15-minute units.

The good news is that music therapy is well positioned for this type of system. Every day, music therapists help people improve communication, emotional regulation, health and safety, independence, community participation, and employment outcomes.

Potential benefits could include increased reimbursement for outcome-driven therapy, as well as stronger recognition of music therapy as an evidence-based and cost-effective service. Potential challenges may include increased expectations for standardized data collection and demonstrating measurable outcomes.

AIMT and the Indiana Music Therapy Task Force continue to meet with decision-makers and advocate for music therapy to remain available across the lifespan and accessible to all eligible waiver recipients.

No final decisions have been made, but this could be an important opportunity to demonstrate the measurable value music therapists bring to individuals and families across Indiana.

Our representatives virtually attended today’s DDRS Advisory Council Meeting. Some take aways include:
• An updated timeline for implementation of the new Waivers. The proposed Youth Waiver is currently projected to be implemented in 2027, with the rest of the Waiver reset being concluded by 2028.
• A shift to Values Based Payments, with providers being compensated based on therapeutic outcomes of their services. Music therapy was identified as an example for which services may move to this model.

We will continue to roll out information on these transitions and updates that are shared with the public.

The Advisory Council was established to advise and assist Indiana’s Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) in developing and sustaining supports and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their meetings are open to the public and an opportunity to learn more about the programs they oversee. Our representatives actively watch and respond to these calls.

The next meeting is this Wednesday, May 20 at 9:30am. Find the link and more information here: https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddars/resources/individuals/ddars-commissions-and-councils/

There are big changes coming to the Indiana Medicaid Waiver in the near future. While we are early on in the process, the Task Force is following along with updates and actively participating to advocate for music therapy services for individuals across the state.

Follow along as we continue to share more about the Waiver Reset and our efforts.

Hello MT Community! DDARS recently communicated the following update as part of Phase 1 in waiver reset. The state will be creating a youth waiver. People have asked for this and different age groups need different services. They want to be more cognizant of care coordination with those who are receiving services through many different systems. See the slides below from the recent FSSA meeting.