HHS Provides Additional Tools to Strengthen Access to Quality HCBS

Watch the White House event.

Yesterday, the White House hosted care leaders, workers, and champions to discuss new data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on funding for home and community-based care through the American Rescue Plan. These funds are an investment in strengthening access to home and community-based services (HCBS) across the country. All 50 states are using this funding to improve their long-term care systems. 

At the White House event, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra announced that the department, through CMS, is providing additional tools that will help improve access for millions who receive Medicaid HCBS. CMS issued new guidance focused on building and maintaining worker registries so more individuals receiving Medicaid-covered services can receive care in a setting of their choice.

This guidance marks another step toward increased access to quality HCBS so older adults and individuals with disabilities can live safely and independently in their homes and communities.

Read more about how these investments in long-term care and the care workforce expand access to care by investing in our direct care workforce.