Medicaid Waiver Programs allow recipients to 'waive' institutionalization and instead choose to direct services to assist them to live in the community.
The HCBS Waiver currently has 28 services[1] and there is a spending cap based on the individuals needs.
Individuals that meet the following criteria are eligible to receive services under the Home and Community Based Services Waiver: In 2021 there was a waiting list of over 22,000 people for this waiver.
[4] Some of the people on the waiting list receive services from the FSL waiver.
The highest rate paid over the 18 years of the waiver was $161.60 per month, for each person served.
Prior to Medicaid Waiver Programs,{1991} many people who had disabilities were served in nursing homes or institutions.
It is believed that it is less expensive for people to receive services in the community, rather than in a nursing home or an institution.