Elderly Waiver for Home and Community Services
PURPOSE OF THE HCBS WAIVER PROGRAM
The Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver program is authorized in §1915(c) of the Social Security Act. The program permits a State to furnish an array of home and community-based
services that assist Medicaid beneficiaries to live in the community and avoid institutionalization. The State has broad discretion to design its waiver program to address the needs of the waiver’s target population. Waiver services complement and/or supplement the services that are available to participants through the Medicaid State plan and other federal, state and local public programs as well as the supports that families and communities provide.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recognizes that the design and operational features of a waiver program will vary depending on the specific needs of the target population, the resources available to the State, service delivery system structure, State goals and objectives, and other factors. A State has the latitude to design a waiver program that is cost-effective and employs a variety of service delivery approaches, including participant direction of services.
The waiver application is based on the HCBS Quality Framework. The Framework focuses on seven broad, participant-centered desired outcomes for the delivery of waiver services, including assuring participant health and welfare:
• Participant Access: Individuals have access to home and community-based services and supports in their communities.
• Participant-Centered Service Planning and Delivery: Services and supports are planned and effectively implemented in accordance with each participant’s unique needs, expressed preferences and decisions concerning his/her life in the community.
• Provider Capacity and Capabilities: There are sufficient HCBS providers and they possess and demonstrate the capability to effectively serve participants.
• Participant Safeguards: Participants are safe and secure in their homes and communities, taking into account their informed and expressed choices.
• Participant Rights and Responsibilities: Participants receive support to exercise their rights and in accepting personal responsibilities.
• Participant Outcomes and Satisfaction: Participants are satisfied with their services and achieve desired outcomes.
• System Performance: The system supports participants efficiently and effectively and constantly strives to improve quality.
For More Information Regarding the HCBS Waiver please see:
http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/groups/aging/documents/pub/dhs16_143051.pdf
