Walk us through it
Where can you find a copy of the blank COS form?
The shared folder, "Fiscal Intermediary", "Blank Forms", "COS Meeting Template 3_17_2026Fillable".
There is now an updated version!
What is found in section 1 (I) of the Life Plan?
This is referred to as "the narrative".
FI agency and support broker, effective date, budget continuation, justifications, housing.
All services/budget lines that have been approved and are being used should be justified in the Life Plan. They can all be justified in the Introducing Me section or in the different sections of the narratives as appropriate.
How many days after a life plan meeting (or SAP review) should the updated SAP be signed/approved and distributed?
60 Days. Once the plan is signed please approve and distribute as soon as possible.
Where should the COS form be uploaded once completed and signed?
The document tree in eVero under "Life Plans" and the participant folder.
True or False: When reviewing budget utilization DPPS usage shows 100%. We should assume they are not using it.
False. We should ask if they are using their DPPS-service (provider may be on the LP) and reach out to our lead if the usage is incorrect.
Should there be blank boxes in the COS form if the line does not apply?
No, ideally all boxes of the form should be filled in. If something does not apply, we should put "N/A" to show it was still reviewed.
What is found in Sections 2 (II) and 3 (III) of the life plan?
Section 2 (II) contains the goals of the person being supported for each service as applicable. There should be one valued outcome (at minimum).
Section 3 must list all safeguards required by the person for each service as applicable (Com Hab, Respite, SEMP, Day Hab, PreVoc etc).
How often do SD-DSP evaluations need to be completed?
After staff is hired the first evaluation is due 3 months later then should be completed annually.
What should be reviewed as follow up from the previous COS meeting?
The finalized LP has been received, approved, and uploaded.
The SAP has been received, approved, and distributed.
The current LCED has been received and uploaded.
What should we ask if the CM is assisting with (in order to maintain services)?
Medicaid Recertification.
How do you check if staff is up to date on their Relias training and evaluation?
The Relias website, change to supervisor (at the top), select user list on left side, type staff's name, click the book, "assignment details" and send "warning link" if there are overdue trainings.
Spot the change! (pwp)
Added a row for CAS/CANS completion date!
During the life plan meeting we read through sections II and III but no changes were made to the goals/safeguards. Should I leave the meeting discussion blank? If not, what should I write?
Something along the lines of... Valued outcomes and safeguards were reviewed, no changes made. Any discussion of progress made should be included.
During the meeting a raise is brought up for staff... what should you check on your COS form to tell the team?
Proposed rate is in the budget, evaluation is complete, no staff issues (monthlies, time, notes), Relias training is complete. If everything is completed, ask for a salary form to be submitted.
Does the COS form ask for all the staff rates in the current budget?
Yes! (pwp)
What is this life plan effective date? (pwp)
04/07/2025-04/06/2026
*However according to our GAP ADM life plans do not expire to maintain continuity of services :)
You are checking section 5 (V) of the LP. What are you looking for?
Services (FRR, Housing Subsidy, OTPS, Support Broker, SDC, Paid Neighbor), Name, Organization, Address, Phone, Email.
*Be sure to check all columns in the row. All information should be correct. Common address mistakes are "Roadnoke", a PO Box, and Flanders!
Staff is a college student who works on breaks (seasonal). Should they be separated in between?
Staff do not need to be separated but we need to let the time catchers know the situation.
What is the timeline for uploading your COS form to eVero after the meeting? Why is this important?
48 Hours - It talks to the PowerBI trackers used to track the SAPs and maintain compliance.
You are filling in the attendees of the life plan meeting. Who can attend the life plan meeting? Who needs to be present, at minimum?
Any one the person we support wants to invite! :)
Technically, for it to be considered a life plan meeting only the person we support and the care manager need to be present.
How do you find the last day staff worked? What if you find they have not worked within 3 months?
Check the roster for the last day staff worked. If they have not worked within 3 months bring it up in the meeting during the staff review to see if they are still active and if there are is any reason they are not working that we may not be aware of. They may need to be separated.
You are checking section 4 (IV) of the LP. What are you looking for? How do you know what should be there?
This section should match the HCBS waiver and Medicaid services in the current approved budget AND on the Tabs inquiry. All three should match.
Authorized services (FI, Support Brokerage, Community Habilitation, Respite, SEMP, IDGS, DPPS, Live in Caregiver, Community Transition Services)
True or False: Telehealth must be documented in the life plan for Fiscal Intermediary.
False. FI is not an in-person service with a face to face requirement. Telehealth should be documented in the lifeplan for brokerage and self-hired staff, if applicable.
The person we support has housing in their budget. You select Yes on the COS form. Where do you find the Participant Agreement, Lease, Quality Assurance Checklist, Award Letter/Income?
The document tree in eVero and their housing recertification packet.
Why is it important to provide thorough information from the LP meeting on the COS form?
They serve as documentation in case of audits or to avoid disputes/confusion about what was agreed upon. Can hold team members and providers accountable.