HCBS News 2026Jan29

Kierstin Reed • January 29, 2026

Governor Pillen Directs DHHS to make Critical Changes to AD Waiver

Governor Pillen issued a press release on January 27th indicating that DHHS should make changes to the proposed AD waiver. As stated in the press release, Governor Pillen stated, “Based on my conversations with dedicated family members and AD Waiver recipients, I directed DHHS to take a second look at the proposal and make necessary changes to ensure Nebraska families continue receiving the support they need." The key revisions include removal of the previously proposed personal care and companion hour limits. They are currently proposing an institutional cost limit to remain in place at 150% modified cap when services are provided by out-of-home caregivers. This will trigger an additional comment period which will open on February 2nd and will run through March 4th. Public comment information can be found here

For those impacted, the department is also currently accepting public comment on the CDD and DDAD waivers. The department is accepting public comment from January 26th to February 25th for changes to these waivers. They are also hosting presentations regarding these changes. Information is available here

 


By Kierstin Reed July 9, 2026
Would you like to meet with candidates?
By Kierstin Reed July 9, 2026
CMS Permitting More Services to be Offered Outpatient CMS has proposed its Calendar Year 2027 Outpatient Prospective Payment System rule to continue to phase out procedures and services from the Inpatient Only List. These are services/procedures that previously could only be provided on an inpatient hospital basis. These changes have potential impacts on Skilled Nursing Facility and Home Health agency admissions. For more details, check out the full article here which includes a link to the list of 638 procedures to be removed in 2027.
By Kierstin Reed July 9, 2026
GAO Releases Report on Assisted Living Spending and Coverage
By Kierstin Reed July 9, 2026
COVID “Up to Date” Definition Will Not Change
By Kierstin Reed July 9, 2026
Finding Our Voice: Asking Members to Speak Up on Immigration Policy
By Kierstin Reed July 9, 2026
CPR for ALL Direct Care Staff
By Kierstin Reed July 9, 2026
CMS Proposes CY2027 Home Health Proposed Rule with 2.4% Update, Only Temporary Adjustment
By Kierstin Reed July 9, 2026
Judge Protects HUD Housing First Funding, For Now
By Kierstin Reed July 2, 2026
Congressional Briefing Pushes for BABA Exemptions for Affordable Housing
By Kierstin Reed July 2, 2026
Changes Coming to Home Health Value Based Purchasing, Again?
Show More