HCBS News 2026June26
DHHS Hosts Quarterly Division Meeting for HCBS Providers
DHHS held the quarterly meeting for HCBS providers on the five waiver programs under DHHS on June 23rd. Slides from this meeting will be posted on the website soon. Here are a few highlights from the meeting:
- Name change for the Division will take place on July 1, 2026. The official new name is Division of Disability and Aging. Assisted Living Services on the Medicaid Waiver are now referred to as “Supported Residential Living”.
- Reminder: All AD/TBI waiver providers must have training in CPR, First Aid and Abuse, neglect and exploitation reporting requirements and prevention. Full compliance is expected within 60 days of implementation (July 1). Providers should keep records for employee certifications in their HR file.
- AD/TBI waiver providers will be receiving a HCBS Provider Policy Manual soon—this document will provide detailed information on aspects and requirements of service providers
- There are changes coming on July 1st to the HCBS Fee Schedule. These will be posted on the website.
- Flat rates are being established for adult day health, chore, respite, LRI Personal Care, and Independence Skills Building. These rates supersede rates set on the MC-190. Personal care rates are not being impacted at this time
- The cap on annual budgets begins July 1, 2026. Waiver services that exceed 150% ($138,657) of the average nursing facility. Beyond this, the service coordinator must submit a request for exception to the DDA clinical team.
- Importance of program integrity- billed services must match what is authorized and delivered. Pre-authorization and post claim reviews are being completed to ensure integrity.
- National Core Indicators results are now complete
New E-Report Finds Rural Family Caregivers Holding the Health System Together
A new e-report from LeadingAge member Lutheran Services in America,
Rooted in Care: Transforming the Future for Rural Family Caregivers, highlights the essential role that rural family caregivers play in supporting older adults. This report draws upon insights from residents of North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Minnesota as well as national data from
Caregiving in the U.S. Nationally, one in five caregivers live in a rural community and are experiencing the erosion of the local care infrastructure. The report discusses four key challenges facing family caregivers in rural communities. Addressing Emotional & Physical Toll: Rural caregiving is intense and sustained wherein the report highlights practical pathways to bolster respite options and train family caregivers. Expand Access to Services & Infrastructure: Rural caregivers consistently face access challenges to affordable services and supports including in-home health assistance, limited broadband that restricts telehealth, and declining access to clinics and hospitals wherein the report outlines opportunities to align policies with the reality of rural infrastructure. Reducing Out-of-Pocket Costs & Strengthening Supports:
Caregiving places a significant financial strain on families wherein the report shares several opportunities to reduce financial burden on family caregivers through various pathways put forth in the report. Building & Sustaining a Rural Care Workforce: Rural communities are facing a deepening workforce crisis where the report discusses home care workforce challenges — including worker shortages, inadequate training, and low wages — that were identified as a top priority for action. The report concludes by highlighting policy opportunities at both the federal and state level.










