What is the HCBS Waiver?
HCBS stands for Home and Community Based Services. The Waiver refers to New York State’s flexible funding system that allows for the use of Medicaid monies to make certain services available to people with developmental disabilities who are deemed eligible. It “waives” certain Medicaid rules so that Medicaid dollars can be creatively “reprogrammed” to support a wider range of community alternatives to assist people in living their lives with the greatest amount of independence and satisfaction. New York obtained the HCBS Waiver in 1991, and is currently the largest Waiver provider in the country, with approximately 38,000 enrollees statewide. California is the second largest Waiver provider, and Florida is third. Enrollees must maintain their Waiver status by means of an annual re-determination and by keeping their Medicaid current.
