How The New HCBS Rules Will Reshape Community-Based Services

We recently reported on the final federal rule defining settings eligible for Medicaid reimbursement for home- and community-based services (HCBS) (see CMS Finalizes Community Setting Requirements For Medicaid HCBS Programs; Does Not Exclude Assisted Living Option). The rule was five years in the making and has been met with general approval by advocates, and provider and industry associations. Implementation is next, as the rule becomes effective March 17, 2014.

In short, the big change is that in order to be reimbursed by Medicaid for HCBS, a . . .