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Barrier Removal Fund Details

The Barrier Fund Removal program is a partnership with us and the National Council of Independent living ( NCIL). This partnership is committed to providing equal access to quality health care and services that are physically and programmatically accessible for our members with disabilities and their companions by increasing the percentage of Centene providers that meet minimum federal and state disability access standards. Some of the awards granted include:

  • Automatic door openers 
  • Parking lot paving 
  • Ramp handrails 
  • Sensory items 
  • Natural lighting 
  • Accessible signage 
  • Accessible exam table and scale 

General Overview and Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT is the PAI?

The goal of the PAI is to increase the number of Meridian providers that meet minimum federal and state disability access standards by:

  1. Improving the accuracy, completeness, and transparency of provider self-reported disability access data in all products and all markets nationwide by integrating “minimum accessibility” standards into the provider application, credentialing and directory processes; and
  2. Giving participating providers competitive access to grant dollars through a BRF. Providers that apply and are chosen for BRF awards receive an on-site disability accessibility review completed by a local Center for Independent Living (CIL) and funding to remediate priority disability access barriers.

WHO is responsible for administering the BRF?

  • Meridian is proud to partner with the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) on the administration of the BRF. NCIL is the longest-running national cross-disability, grassroots organization run by and for people with disabilities.
  • NCIL provides technical assistance to Meridian and helps coordinate a local BRF Committee that selects BRF awardees. NCIL also coordinates with local CILs to conduct the on-site accessibility reviews of BRF applicants, provide training, and distribute grant funds to BRF awardees to remediate priority disability access barriers identified by the local BRF Committee.

 

WHY are the PAI and BRF important?

  • It's the right thing to do. Studies show that Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities receive less preventive care due to inaccessible exam rooms and/or diagnostic equipment;1
  • Federal laws and regulations require that MCO providers have disability access and that MCO provider directories include a complete and accurate description of provider disability access.2

 How do I submit a BRF application?

 Who is eligible to submit an application for Barrier Removal Funds?

  • Participating providers that meet all the following criteria are eligible to apply:
    • In the Service Delivery Area of Meridian
    • See Meridian members at a physical location
    • Are accepting new Meridian members
    • Are in the Meridian provider directory
  • Non-participating providers with single case agreements or other contracts, and providers (par and non-par) located in hospitals and institutional settings or segregated environments (i.e., providers that only see patients with disabilities) are not eligible.
  • Examples of non-eligible providers:
    • Long-term care and rehabilitation agencies
    • Home healthcare agencies
    • Nursing facilities
    • Hospitals
    • Day habilitation programs
    • Group homes

 What is the deadline to submit the BRF application?  Can it be extended for any reason?

  • February 28, 2025, 5:00 p.m. (EST). Meridian reserves the right to extend the deadline.

 Will there be another BRF application in the future?

  • We do not have information regarding future applications surrounding accessibility improvements at this time.

 What if I miss the deadline for submitting my application?

  • Unfortunately, we cannot accept additional applications beyond the deadline.

 Can I change my BRF application response after I have submitted it?

  • Changes or edits can be made through the final submission date of February 28, 2025, 5:00 p.m. (EST).

 How will I know if my application was received?

What happens after I submit my application?

  • Applicants will receive an email from Mary-Kate Wells at NCIL at mary-kate@ncil.org in March if they have been found eligible. You will also be informed if your application was found ineligible.
  • Eligible applicants must participate in an on-site accessibility site review (at no cost to the provider) in March - June 2025. This will be used in our final award decisions.
  • Applicants will be notified of final award decisions in July 2025.
  • Projects must be completed by December 31st, 2025.

This timeline is subject to change, but providers will be notified.

How will I know if I am chosen to be awarded funds?

  • You will receive an email from Mary-Kate Wells at NCIL at mary-kate@ncil.org.You will also be informed if your application was not selected for funding.

 If I have a question about the BRF application, who should I contact?

 How much will this award fund per submission?

  • Award amounts will vary based on the specific number of BRF grants awarded. There is no funding cap per award, however most grants to date have been in the range of $500 - $15,000.

 How are award amounts determined?

  • Amount of each grant will depend on the total number of applications received, the impact applications will have on Meridian disability access network adequacy, and the number of Meridian members with disabilities impacted. 

 Are there costs for which my organization is responsible?

  • Meridian will cover the cost of the accessibility site review, technical assistance, and approved modification(s). Any additional costs are the responsibility of the awardee. 

 Are there costs for which my organization is responsible?

  • Meridian will cover the cost of the accessibility site review, technical assistance, and approved modification(s). Any additional costs are the responsibility of the awardee.

 Can I include multiple pieces of equipment or modifications?

  • Yes, include all items for which you are seeking funding.

 I have multiple sites; do I need to submit a BRF application for each site?

  • Yes, please submit separate applications for each site where you serve members.

 How soon can I expect award funding to arrive?

  • This is a reimbursement grant, so grantees will complete purchases and improvements and invoice NCIL for actual costs incurred, up to the approved amount. If grantees cannot afford to pay for the work ahead of time, we will consider requests to pay vendors or contractors directly. 

 Will you grant dollars outside of my state, given that you have a national presence?

  • BRF dollars granted by the Meridian BRF Committee are for the participating providers in Michigan only. 

 What happens if I choose to term with Meridian?

  • You must remain in the network (and in good standing) for 1 year following grant funding or full re-payment [or return of equipment] will be required. If you leave the network after 18 months, you will repay 50%. After 2 years, fully-funded, no repayment will be due.

 What if the accessibility improvements cannot be completed by the timeline listed in the application due to reasons I cannot control (i.e., the part is on backorder, or the contractor is not able to start the work within the timeline)?

 What happens if the accessibility improvement costs change after the contractor begins work?

  • The initial decisions are final. The provider is responsible for any additional costs.

 My question isn’t listed. Who can I contact?

Footnotes

  1. https://www.cms.gov/About-CMS/Agency-Information/OMH/Downloads/Issue-Brief-Physical-AccessibilityBrief.pdf
  2. The 2016 Medicaid/CHIP Managed Care Final Rule states that: 1. MCO providers must provide physical access, accommodations, and accessible equipment for consumers with physical or mental disabilities by July 1, 2018 (42 CFR Section 438.206(c)(3)); 2. Provider directories must indicate the following for all physicians, hospitals, pharmacies, behavioral health providers, and LTSS providers: linguistic capabilities, completion of cultural competence training, and whether the provider’s offices, exam rooms, and equipment accommodate individuals with physical disabilities by July 1, 2017 (42 CFR Section 438.10(1)); and 3. State network adequacy standards must consider the ability of MCO network providers to ensure physical access, reasonable accommodations, culturally competent communications, and accessible equipment for Medicaid enrollees with physical or mental disabilities by July 1, 2018 (42 CFR Section 438.68(c)(1)).
Last Updated: 01/28/2025