HCBS (Home and Community-Based) Waivers
Home and community-based services (HCBS) provide opportunities for Medicaid beneficiaries to receive services in their own home or community. These programs serve a variety of targeted populations groups, such as people with mental illnesses, intellectual or developmental disabilities, and/or physical disabilities.
HCBS Waivers allow states that participate in Medi-Caid, known as Medi-Cal in California, to develop creative alternatives for individuals who would otherwise require care in a nursing facility or hospital. Medi-Cal has an agreement with the Federal Government, which allows for waiver services to be offered in either a home or community setting.
The services offered under the waiver must cost no more than the alternative institutional level of care.
Recipients of HCBS Waivers must have full-scope Medi-Cal eligibility: http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/Pages/HCBSWaiver.aspx.
This form http://vkc.mc.vanderbilt.edu/etoolkit/wp-content/uploads/TodaysVisit.pdf is especially nice to complete and take to the doctor's office.
Myths and Facts about HCBS: http://www.sfautismsociety.org/uploads/1/1/7/4/11747519/hcbs_myth_and_fact_handout.pdf
California HCBS Information
http://www.dds.ca.gov/Waiver/Home.cfm
Fact Sheet: Home and Community Based Settings Rule
http://www.dds.ca.gov/HCBS/docs/hcbsFactSheet.pdf
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Home and Community-Based Services Rules
http://www.dds.ca.gov/HCBS/docs/faqRules.pdf
Learn About the New Rules http://hcbsadvocacy.org/learn-about-the-new-rules/
Person-Centered Planning
In this final rule, CMS specifies that service planning for participants in Medicaid HCBS programs under section 1915(c) and 1915(i) of the Act must be developed through a person-centered planning process that addresses health and long-term services and support needs in a manner that reflects individual preferences and goals. The rules require that the person-centered planning process is directed by the individual with long-term support needs, and may include a representative whom the individual has freely chosen and others chosen by the individual to contribute to the process. The rule describes the minimum requirements for person-centered plans developed through this process, including that the process results in a person-centered plan with individually identified goals and preferences. This planning process, and the resulting person-centered service plan, will assist the individual in achieving personally defined outcomes in the most integrated community setting, ensure delivery of services in a manner that reflects personal preferences and choices, and contribute to the assurance of health and welfare. CMS will provide future guidance regarding the process for operationalizing person-centered planning in order for states to bring their programs into compliance.
PHP offers Person Centered Thinking Training