1915(i) RISE Initiative

Recovery. Independence. Support. Engagement.

RISE reflects the initiative's focus on helping individuals rise above their challenges through services that promote recovery, independence & community engagement.

The 1915(i) RISE Initiative is a Medicaid program that offers Recovery, Independence, Support, and Engagement to Kentuckians with serious mental illness (SMI). Through this program, eligible adults can access home and community-based services (HCBS) that support independent living, reduce reliance on institutional care, and promote long-term recovery.

The 1915(i) RISE Initiative is administered by the Department for Medicaid Services (DMS) in partnership with the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID).

The program is designed to improve the quality of life for individuals with SMI by offering access to up to 10 Medicaid-reimbursable services delivered in community-based settings, guided by a Person-Centered Service Plan (PCSP).

The following 10 services are available to eligible participants through the 1915(i) RISE Initiative, delivered based on individualized needs outlined in each participant’s PCSP:

1. Assistive Technology
   Provides access to supportive devices or tools that promote independence and engagement in the community. Examples include medication dispensers, visual timers, phone-based reminders, and smart home tools.
   
   
2. Case Management
   A certified case manager coordinates services for the participant, ensures timely access to supports, monitors service effectiveness, and works with the participant to adjust services as needs evolve.
   
   
3. Housing and Tenancy Supports
   Services help participants locate, secure, and maintain stable housing. Activities include housing search, landlord communication, lease agreement review, eviction prevention planning, and basic tenancy skills training.
   
   
4. In-Home Independent Living Supports
   Hands-on assistance with daily tasks to support safe and stable independent living. Includes meal preparation, cleaning, home organization, budgeting, medication reminders, and personal care prompts.
   
   
5. Medication Management
   Supports participants in understanding and managing their prescribed medications. Services include medication education, coordination with prescribers, reminders, and adherence coaching.
   
   
6. Planned Respite for Caregivers
   Temporary relief for unpaid caregivers to prevent burnout and promote participant stability. Services are scheduled in advance and may occur in the home or another approved setting.
   
   
7. Supervised Residential Care
   Provides a structured, staffed living environment for participants who require additional supervision and support as a transition from or alternative to institutional settings.
   
   
8. Supported Education
   Helps participants enroll in and succeed at General Education Development (GED) programs, community college, certification courses, or vocational education. Services include enrollment assistance, advocacy, study skills training, and school system navigation.
   
   
9. Supported Employment (Individual Placement and Support)
   One-on-one job development, placement, and retention services that help individuals with SMI enter or re-enter competitive, integrated employment. Support may continue on or off the job.
   
   
10. Transportation (Non-Medical)
    Covers transportation to behavioral health services, employment, education, and other community activities identified in the PCSP when no other transportation is available.
    
    

To be eligible, you must:

• Be 18 or older.
• Be enrolled in Kentucky Medicaid.
• Have a primary diagnosis of SMI, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder with functional impairment.
• May also have a co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD).
• Experience one or more of the following:
  • History of behavioral health hospitalizations in the past two years.
  • History of clinically significant symptoms of mental illness for at least two years.
  • History of episodic debilitating behavioral health symptoms expecting to continue for a two-year period.
• Demonstrate functional need in two or more functional domains such as social interaction, personal care, or physical or intellectual functioning.

If you are interested in applying for 1915(i) RISE services, the application process includes the following steps:

Step 1: Referral
Participants are referred by a provider, care team member, or self-referral through an email to 1915iRISEInitiative@ky.gov or by calling 502-564-9189.

Step 2: Screening
A designated 1915(i) RISE Initiative specialist will follow up within three business days to begin the eligibility review.

Step 3: Assessment
The participant completes the assessment and a functional eligibility screening with a trained assessor.

Step 4: Service Planning
If found eligible, the participant selects a case manager to collaborate with to create a Person-Centered Service Plan (PCSP), identifying which 1915(i) RISE services will best meet their needs

Step 5: Service Delivery
Services begin with the participant’s selected providers. Progress is reviewed regularly to ensure services remain appropriate.

For step-by-step instructions, visit our 1915(i) RISE Initiative Partcipant page, or email us at 1915iRISEInitiative@ky.gov. For additional information see 1915(i) RISE Initiative Participant FAQ.

Rights and Responsibilities
All 1915(i) RISE participants have the right to:

• Choose their provider(s).
• Be involved in their service planning and delivery.
• Access services in the most inclusive setting possible.
• Receive written notice of decisions affecting their eligibility or services.
• File an appeal or grievance without fear of retaliation.

1915(i) RISE providers are responsible for:

• Maintaining documentation in accordance with Medicaid rules.
• Delivering services as outlined in the PCSP and in line with participants’ goals.
• Coordinating care across systems when appropriate.
• Reporting critical incidents or service disruptions.

The 1915(i) RISE Initiative offers an opportunity for providers across sectors to deliver impactful services and expand their scope of Medicaid-covered supports.

Organizations that may be eligible include:

• Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs).
• Behavioral health agencies.
• Housing support providers.
• Employment and education agencies.
• Care coordination and case management entities.

Provider requirements:

• Must be enrolled as a Medicaid provider.
• Must complete 1915(i) RISE certification and any required staff qualifications.
• Must attend required training on billing, documentation, and compliance.
• Must follow service-specific fidelity standards and Person-Centered Planning guidelines.

To get started, visit our For Providers page, or email us at 1915iRISEprovider@ky.gov.

For Additional Information, see 1915(i) RISE Initiative Provider FAQ.