The recently adopted NC State Budget includes funds to give a one-time bonus to eligible direct care workers (DCWs) and support staff who provide services to Medicaid and NC Health Choice beneficiaries. The NC state budget also includes a provision to implement a HCBS and ICF/IID DCW wage increase for eligible employees who provide services to Medicaid and NC Health Choice beneficiaries.
Details about the three categories of eligibility criteria can be found in the following NC Medicaid provider bulletins, posted Jan 14, 2022:
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COVID-19 BULLETIN #212 One-Time Bonus: DCWs and support staff in waiver programs, personal care services, home health and others may be eligible for a one-time bonus—DCWs and support staff in eligible waiver programs, personal care services, home health and others may be eligible for a one-time bonus.
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COVID-19 BULLETIN #213 ICF-IID Wage Increase: DCWs in Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities may be eligible for a wage increase.
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COVID-19 BULLETIN #214 HCBS Wage Increase: DCWs providing home- and community-based service may be eligible for a wage increase.
NC Medicaid will hold webinars from Jan 19–25, 2022, to provide an overview of the wage increase and bonus program. Webinar information is located in the provider bulletins listed above.
Dave Richard
Deputy Secretary
NC Medicaid
Division of Health Benefits
NC Department of Health and Human Services
Office: 919-855-4101
Mobile: 919-500-1596
1985 Umstead Drive, Kirby Building
2501 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2501
