Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Settings Rule Takes Effect

Key points in plain language
Here is a brief description of big ideas coming up in this article.

Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) are for people who receive Medicaid. HCBS allows people to receive services in their own home or community rather than institutions or other isolated settings.

HCBS passed a new rule on March 17, 2023. This rule makes sure that HCBS programs offer services in the most integrated settings. HCBS must serve individuals in the community just as those who do not receive HCBS services have access to similar services in the community.

Visit this link to read the full description of the new HCBS rule: https://acl.gov/programs/hcbs-settings-rule

The new HCBS rule helps the individual receiving services be more independent, be more active in the community, and make their own life choices.

After nine years and multiple delays, the Centers for Medicare and Medical Services’ Home and Community Based Services Final Rule finally takes effect March 17, 2023. This rule ensures that individuals receiving services and supports through Medicaid’s HCBS programs are able to receive those services in the most integrated settings and are provided full access to the community. Such settings must offer privacy, dignity and respect and allow people with disabilities the ability to make independent choices about their daily activities, physical environment and who they are in contact with. The rule increases the quality of HCBS and provides added protections to individuals that receive these services. The changes are expected to impact more than a million people receiving Medicaid home and community-based services. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) has a clear definition and hosts regular webinars to help stakeholders understand this HCBS Settings Rule.