CMS Program Enables More Home-Based Care for America’s Seniors

What
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is enhancing Medicaid funding to states that want to provide more home and community-based services for the elderly and disabled. The funding is authorized under an AffordableCare Act program called the Balancing Incentive Program.

Who
CMS recently announced that Missouri, Mississippi, Georgia and Iowa will be awarded federal Medicaid matching funds for this effort. These funds allow residents to choose to continue living in their homes and communities rather than in traditional care settings. States are eligible if less than 50 percent of their total long-term spending goes toward home and community-based services. A total of $3 billion is available.

Why
Medicaid coverage for home or community-based services is optional for States, though all have opted to provide this coverage, and consumer demand is often greater than the state’s available resources. Most people prefer to live in a community setting and this program allows seniors to do so while receiving patient-preferred, high-quality care at a lower cost.