Medicaid HCBS Waiting Lists Exceed 710,000 In 2024

More than 710,000 people in 2024 are on waiting lists to receive Medicaid long-term services and supports (LTSS) through home and community-based ssettings (HCBS), about 1.4% more than the approximately 700,000 on HCBS waiting lists between 2016 and 2024. Most people on HCBS waiting lists have intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD).

States use HCBS waivers to offer expanded personal care benefits or to provide additional services such as adult day care, supported employment, and non-medical transportation. States are not required to offer HCBS. If they do, HCBS is offered through “waivers.” Waivers allow states . . .