Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) announced the passage of a provision based on his Helping Communities with Better Support (HCBS) Act, which aims to expand home and community-based services for individuals with developmental disabilities. The measure was included in the Senate reconciliation package.

“As we continue to secure historic wins under President Trump’s leadership and our Republican majority, it is crucial that we continue to advocate and support Americans with disabilities, who often need a level of specialized care that is beyond what their families can provide. Expanding access to home and community-based care will go a long way in supporting individuals with disabilities, and I am grateful to have the support of my colleagues to pass this critically important effort out of the Senate,” said Senator Eric Schmitt.

Currently, states offering home and community-based services use a system that limits the number of waiver “slots,” which restricts how many people can receive services at one time. This limitation has led to lengthy waitlists for people with disabilities seeking appropriate care. The new legislation increases HCBS capacity so states can serve more individuals.

The bill gives states the option to expand HCBS without reducing service for those already eligible. It also requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide up to 60 days of interim HCBS care for newly eligible individuals while their full plans are being developed. Additionally, states requesting expanded waivers must demonstrate that adding new populations will not increase wait times for current recipients, providing estimates and service comparisons to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

The full text of the bill is available here.