In Most Years Since 2016, There Have Been Close To 700,000 People On HCBS Waiting Lists Or Interest Lists

In most years since 2016, states have reported that about 700,000 people have been on waiting lists or interest lists for Medicaid waiver home- and community-based services (HCBS) or optional services. Between 2016 and 2023, the number of people on waiting or interest lists fluctuated from the low of 656,000 in both 2016 and 2021 to the high of 820,000 in 2018.

HCBS waivers allow states to offer a wide range of benefits and to choose (and limit) the number of people who receive services. The ability of states to limit the number of people enrolled . . .