CMS has provided a new toolkit for state Medicaid agencies to deliver home and community-based services (HCBS) for those beneficiaries who are eligible, according to a November 2CMS press release. The toolkit aims to transition both older adults and individuals with disabilities to their homes and also to lessen the need for nursing home care.
 
During COVID-19, nursing homes have been seen as the “default option, even for those who may not require round-the-clock care,” said CMS Administrator Seema Verma.
 
The toolkit gives states best practices and models to assist their long-term services and supports (LTSS) programs to increase the use of HCBS instead of institutional services, according to the press release from CMS.
 
For more information on CMS’ new toolkit to assist Medicaid agencies with HCBS, visit: https://go.cms.gov/2IFaDbm.