CMS Release New Rules for Programs Designed to Expand Community Living

The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have released two rules that support State efforts to expand access to home and community based services (HCBS) for people with disabilities.

This final rule implements the Community First Choice State plan option, which was authorized by the Affordable Care Act and provides an incentive for States to expand their Medicaid coverage for person-centered home and community-based attendant services and supports. States that elect the Community First Choice option are eligible for a 6 percentage point increase in their federal medical assistance percentage. Individuals who require an institutional level of care are eligible for the services, which will be offered in community-based settings.