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Written comments on the proposal were accepted electronically or through the mail: 1. Email to CEWaiver@scdhhs.gov, referencing “Palmetto Pathways to Independence” in the subject line 2. Mail to: South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Re: Palmetto Pathways to Independence Waiver P.O. Box 8206 Columbia, South Carolina 29202 The state held two public hearings for interested parties to learn more about the waiver application, ask questions, and provide public comments. The public hearings were both available virtually at the following dates, times, and locations. Individuals were also invited to attend the hearing held on May 6 in person. Individuals with disabilities who required special accommodation in order to attend these public meetings were able to contact SCDHHS directly to ensure that any necessary accommodation could be provided. Public Hearing #1 Public Hearing #2 May 6, 2025 9:30 AM 1801 Main Street Columbia, South Carolina 29201 Multipurpose Room A/B This meeting was a hybrid meeting with people attending in person and virtually. Individuals who were attending virtually could join the public hearing via a Microsoft Teams meeting link. May 13, 2025 10:00 AM This meeting was held virtually. The public were invited to join the public hearing via a Microsoft Teams meeting link. Tribal Consultation South Carolina has one federally recognized tribe in the state, the Catawba Indian Nation. On March 28, 2025, SCDHHS sent public notice of the waiver application to the representative of the federally recognized tribe in accordance with 42 CFR § 431.408, with the option to schedule a separate tribal consultation to discuss the waiver. A second notification was sent to the Catawba Indian Nation on April 30, 2025, communicating the start of the public notice period with a link to the demonstration waiver draft application. SCDHHS provided presentations to the Catawba Indian Nation during regularly scheduled monthly calls on March 26, 2025, and April 30, 2025. Participants on the monthly calls did not have questions or comments. A copy of the formal correspondence sent to the Catawba Indian Nation soliciting input on the waiver application can 16