What are Goods and Services?

Goods and Services are part of your budget for Self-Directed Services. Goods and Services are services, equipment, and supplies you need to achieve your Individual Support Plan (ISP) goals that are not otherwise paid for through other Medicaid sources. 

Goods and Services must do one or more of the following:

• Decrease your need for Medicaid services.
• Promote inclusion in the community (with people without disabilities).
• Increase your safety in your home.

How do I request Goods and Services?

To request Goods and Services you must complete the Individual Goods and Services Request Form.

For more information about requesting Goods and Services, requirements for approval, and allowable Goods and Services, see BHDDH’s “Self-Directed Supports: A Guide to Goods and Services” and “Self-Directed Services: Allowable Individual Good and Services.”

Is there a cap on how much I can request under Goods and Services?

There is a $5000 limit on Goods and Services. The limit is meant to ensure this part of your budget pays for things that are truly Goods and Services and cannot be paid for with other funds.

What if I want more than $5000 worth of Goods and Services?

You can request an exception to the limit. You should request all the services you believe you need on the Goods and Services form, even if they cost more than the $5000 limit. You should also put on the form that you are requesting an exception to the cap.

TIP: Request all the Goods and Services you believe you need. This protects your right to appeal if services are denied.

What can I do to stay under the $5000 limit?

Work with your support broker, plan writer, and fiscal intermediary to identify other ways to bill for the services you need. For example:

• Physical therapy or other medically necessary services prescribed by your doctor can come from your flexible budget, instead of Goods and Services. Be sure to include medical documentation about why you need these services when you request them.
• Supplies for your business, or other job services, may be billable as employment services. These come from a separate pot of money that is added to your overall budget.

Can I appeal BHDDH’s denial of Goods and Services?

Yes, you can request an administrative review with BHDDH, and/or a formal court hearing. If BHDDH denies your request for Goods and Services, you must receive a written notice that tells you:

• Exactly which Goods and Services were denied.
• The date your services will end (if you were already getting those Goods and Services).
• Your deadline to request an appeal.
• Who to contact to request the appeal.

For more information about the appeal process, see “Appeals Process Guidance.” You may also contact your BHDDH Social Caseworker with questions about specific Goods and Services requests.

TIP: You might be getting Goods and Services now. If BHDDH denies those services in your next ISP, you have the right to continue getting those services until your appeal is over. Read your written notice and find the date on which those services will end. You must appeal before that date, and you must request “a stay of services” when you file the appeal.

If you have other questions, you may call or email BHDDH at:
Phone: (401) 462-3421
Spanish Phone: (401) 462-3014
Email: BHDDH.AskDD@bhddh.ri.gov

If you have questions or want more information about Goods and Services, contact Disability Rights Rhode Island at info@drri.org or 401-831-3150.