DHS Moving Forward with Consolidation of Disability Waivers

Posted on July 16, 2019 by Jeff Bostic

The Health and Human Services budget bill that passed during the 2019 special session includes several provisions that advance a proposal known as Waiver Reimagine. Over the next several years, Waiver Reimagine will combine the four existing disability waivers under two new waivers, one for individuals living independently or with family and one for clients in residential settings. 

The transition will involve equalizing the offerings under the current waivers in advance of the launch of new waivers in 2022, assuming approval by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Members who serve clients on disability waivers will have opportunities to provide input on Waiver Reimagine as the details of services and policies under the new waivers are developed over the next couple of years.

Elderly Waiver (EW) is not part of Waiver Reimagine and will not be part of the consolidation into the two new waivers. EW will continue to be a separate waiver program with its own services offerings, budget caps, and service rates.