Columbia News

U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt has announced the passage of a significant provision that aims to expand home and community-based services for individuals with developmental disabilities. This initiative, part of the Helping Communities with Better Support (HCBS) Act, was included in the Senate reconciliation package.

Senator Schmitt emphasized the importance of this development under President Trump's leadership and the Republican majority. "As we continue to secure historic wins under President Trump’s leadership and our Republican majority, it is crucial that we continue to advocate and support Americans with disabilities, who often need a level of specialized care that is beyond what their families can provide," said Senator Schmitt. He added that expanding access to these services will significantly benefit individuals with disabilities.

Currently, states offering home and community-based services limit the number of waiver slots available, leading to long waitlists for those in need. The new legislation seeks to increase HCBS capacity, allowing more people access to necessary services.

The bill provides states with an option to expand HCBS without negatively affecting current eligible recipients. It mandates the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to offer up to 60 days of interim care for newly eligible individuals while their full plans are developed. Additionally, states must demonstrate that expanding waivers will not increase wait times for existing beneficiaries and must provide service estimates and comparisons.

For further details on the bill's text, readers are encouraged to refer directly to its full documentation.