S. 1989: Helping Communities with Better Support Act

This bill, known as the Helping Communities with Better Support Act, aims to improve the accessibility and transparency of home and community-based services (HCBS) for individuals with disabilities and those needing assistance. It primarily amends section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act, focusing on the provisions for medical assistance related to HCBS. Here are the key components of the bill:

Increasing Transparency in HCBS

The bill mandates that states must provide and publicly disclose more information about home and community-based services. This includes:

• The process and criteria for individuals waiting to receive these services.
• Information about how states screen and reassess eligibility for these services.
• The average wait times for individuals approved for services.

Expansion of Service Coverage

The legislation allows states to extend HCBS to individuals who may not typically qualify under existing waivers, as long as they meet certain conditions. This includes:

• Approval for a waiver that enables the state to cover costs related to HCBS for additional individuals with disabilities.
• Demonstrating that this extension will not negatively affect current beneficiaries’ access to services.
• Providing an evaluation of expected services and any changes in service delivery for those newly covered.

Interim Care Plans

The bill also includes provisions requiring states to offer up to 60 days of coverage for individuals awaiting the finalization of their written plans of care. This temporary coverage is designed to ensure that individuals can begin accessing necessary services promptly after their eligibility determination.

Implementation Timeline and Guidance

The Secretary of Health and Human Services is tasked with providing guidance to states by January 1, 2026. This guidance will clarify how states can implement the provisions of this bill effectively, ensuring that individuals eligible for HCBS can quickly access the services they need.

Relevant Companies

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