equal-access-affordability

Reason(s) for non-compliance: • The Lead Agency does not prohibit increases to co-payments within the 12-month eligibility period prior to graduated phase-out period, as required by 98.21(a)(3). (Plan Question 2.5.4) • The Lead Agency does not limit all family co-payments to seven percent or less of family income, as required by 98.45(l)(3). (Plan Question 3.1.1a). Please note the Lead Agency has an approved waiver for this requirement through August 1, 2026. • The Lead Agency does not have a sliding fee scale that is based on income and family size, as required by 98.45(l)(2). (Plan Question 3.1.1b) • The Lead Agency does not include the rationale for the policy to allow providers to charge families additional amounts above the required co-payment, including a demonstration of how the policy promotes affordability and access for families, as required by 98.45(b)(5). (Plan Question 3.1.2ei) Overall Target Completion Date: 08/01/2026 Action Step Number Action Step Description Target Completion Date 1 (Prohibit co-payment inc.) Submit change request to NC FAST. 05/30/2024 2 (Prohibit co-payment inc.) Finalize business requirements for necessary changes in NC FAST. 03/31/2024 3 (Prohibit co-payment inc.) Develop policy and procedures for DSS/LPA workers. 06/02/2026 4 (Prohibit co-payment inc.) Release functionality in NC FAST and new policy to DSS/LPA workers via written policy document, share during Economic Programs Committee with DSS agencies, and incorporate training for new policy into county TA meetings and territory trainings. 08/01/2026 5 (Limit co-payment to 7%) Submitted request to NC General Assembly to change special provision language regarding copayment maximum from 10% to 7%. 04/30/2024 6 (Limit co-payment to 7%) NC FAST IT upgrade. 03/30/2025 7 (Limit co-payment to 7%) Creation (6/1/26), communication and implementation of new policy. 08/01/2026 8 (Fee based on family size) Updated sliding fee scale chart to include family size. https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Financial- Assistance/Do-I-Qualify 07/31/2024 9 (Revise policy) Complete TA in the form of a peer to peer meeting regarding whether or not to require parents to pay the difference between the provider's charge and the rate paid by the LPA. 05/30/2025 10 (Revise policy) Develop any policy changes that might be needed in response to TA. 05/29/2026