In early 2014, after a lengthy public process, CMS finalized new rules that define the characteristics of a Home & Community-based Services (HCBS) setting. The new standards aim to improve HCBS quality and ensure individuals who receive Medicaid HCBS services can engage and fully participate in community life, better control and coordinate their care, and have opportunities to seek employment in competitive settings.
In response to persistent confusion and misinformation about the new HCBS settings rules, a group of national disability and aging organizations (including Justice in Aging) put together a Q&A written for advocates and the general public to explain the transition process and what the rules do and do not require.
States must submit state-wide transition plans to CMS before March 17, 2015 and must first provide the public opportunity to comment on these plans. You can find information on your state's status at hcbsadvocacy.org. Justice In Aging has a number of resources on the new rule, available here.
