·Federal program
Medicaid HCBS Waivers (Home and Community-Based Services)
Federal Medicaid waiver program under Section 1915(c) allowing states to provide home and community-based services as an alternative to institutional care. Services include respite care, personal care assistance, adult day health, home modifications, and more. States design their own waivers within federal guidelines.
What it offers
Medicaid 1915(c) HCBS waivers let states, within broad federal guidelines, provide long-term services and supports in a person's home or community rather than an institutional setting. Medicaid.gov says nearly all states and DC offer HCBS waivers and about 257 waiver programs are active nationwide. States may target waiver populations, cap waiver slots, and set additional eligibility criteria; eligible individuals must meet the state's institutional level-of-care standard. Covered services can include case management, homemaker, home health aide, personal care, adult day health, habilitation, respite care, and other services that help avoid or transition from institutional care. Federal 1915(c) waiver materials model a common special income level as up to 300% of the SSI Federal Benefit Rate; for 2026, SSA lists the individual SSI federal amount at $994/month, making the 300% reference amount $2,982/month before state-specific rules. State income thresholds, waitlists, payment rates, and self-direction/family-caregiver payment rules belong in the state waiver inventory.
Questions that decide eligibility
GiveCare prepares the questions; the program makes the decision. Bring these to the call or the application:
- 01
What are the current income and asset limits, and whose income counts?
Our record lists gross monthly limit around $2,982 for a household of one — limits change, so confirm the current figures.
- 02
What counts as a qualifying disability or level of care need, and what documentation shows it?
- 03
Does the VA disability rating meet the program’s minimum (our record lists null%)?
- 04
Which citizenship or immigration statuses does the program accept, and which documents show it?
- 05
Do the work hours meet the minimum (our record lists null hours)?
- 06
Is there a caregiver-specific department, coordinator, or support line? Ask for it by name.
Many agencies have one that isn’t advertised on the website.
- 07
What documents do you need from us to start an application?
- 08
Is there a waitlist right now, and how long is it?