What Is The Medicaid Home And Community Based Services Program?

08/11/2015

Receive Services in Your Own Home or Community

Many seniors who are covered by Medicaid may not know all the benefits and services offered by the program. Medicaid offers a variety of services to seniors and people with disabilities, one of which is the Home And Community Based Services (HBCS) Program. The program serves a variety of targeted populations groups, such as people with mental illnesses, intellectual or developmental disabilities, and/or physical disabilities.

Also called a 1915(c) waiver, a Home and Community (HCB) waiver is one of many options available to states to allow the provision of long-term care services in home and community based settings under the Medicaid Program. HCB programs can provide a combination of standard medical services and non-medical services.

Standard services include but are not limited to: case management (i.e. supports and service coordination), homemaker, home health aide, personal care, adult day health services, habilitation (both day and residential), and respite care. States can also propose “other” types of services that may assist in diverting and/or transitioning individuals from institutional settings into their homes and community.

HCBS first became available in 1983 when Congress added section 1915(c) to the Social Security Act, giving States the option to receive a waiver of Medicaid rules governing institutional care. In 2005, HCBS became a formal Medicaid State plan option. Several States include HCBS services in their Medicaid State plans. 47 States and DC are operating at least one 1915(c) waiver.

States can offer a variety of services under their particular HCB program. Like all things Medicaid, what the waiver covers depends on how your state administers & manages Medicaid. The cost for services covered will also vary by state. It’s best to check with the state in which you live to find out what is and isn’t covered and the cost. And, do note, there’s often a long waiting list to become covered by the program. Also, the program does not cover food, clothing, medication, rent, and a number of other items, but does provide a case manager who can help you understand what is and is not covered.

State Medicaid agencies have several HCBS options:

States establish and administer their own Medicaid programs and determine the type, amount, duration, and scope of services within broad federal guidelines. States are required to cover certain "mandatory benefits," and can choose to provide other “optional benefits” through the Medicaid program.

If you’re presently seeking a senior apartment, independent-living, assisted-living, or other continuing-care community for yourself or a senior loved one, don’t forget to visit alternativesforseniors.com to assist your search. Alternatives for Seniors is a print and online directory that specifically caters to the housing and personal care concerns of senior citizens and their families. You can also call our Senior Specialists at (888) WE-ASSIST (888-932-7747).

BLOG Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Writer: Ryan Allen