News

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule today to ensure that Medicaid's home and community-based services (HCBS) programs provide full access to the benefits of community living and offer services in the most integrated settings. 

The rule, as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), supports the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Community Living Initiative. The initiative was launched in 2009 to develop and implement innovative strategies to increase opportunities for Americans with disabilities and older adults to enjoy meaningful community living.

Under the final rule, Medicaid programs will support home and community-based settings that serve as an alternative to institutional care and that take into account the quality of individuals' experiences.  The final rule includes a transitional period for states to ensure that their programs meet the home and community-based services settings requirements. 

Read the Press Release

Read the Final Rule

Learn about TAC's work on Medicaid and Community Integration