What Is an HCBS Waiver?
Kansas HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) waivers are Medicaid programs that pay for long-term support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Instead of requiring someone to live in an institution to receive care, waivers allow individuals to live in their homes and communities while receiving the support they need.
Kansas operates several HCBS waivers for individuals with I/DD. The most common is the Intellectual/Developmental Disability (I/DD) waiver, administered by KDADS — the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.
What Services Do Waivers Cover?
Depending on the waiver and the individual's approved plan, services can include:
- Supported living and personal care assistance
- Community integration and transportation
- Skills development and employment support
- Community based day services
- Residential habilitation
- Person-centered planning coordination
Not every service is available under every waiver. An individual's approved services are determined through their Individual Support Plan (ISP), developed with their case manager and support team.
What Families Often Misunderstand
Waiver services are not automatic. There is typically a waitlist, and approval does not mean immediate enrollment. Once approved, the individual selects a provider — and that choice matters significantly.
Services are authorized in units, not open-ended hours. Documentation from providers must match what was authorized, or reimbursement can be denied. This is one reason provider selection and documentation quality matter more than families often realize at the start of the process.
What Is a Case Manager's Role?
Case managers (sometimes called support coordinators) are assigned through Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) such as Sunflower Health Plan, Aetna Better Health of Kansas, or United Healthcare Community Plan. They are responsible for coordinating the individual's ISP, authorizing services, and monitoring provider performance.
If you're unsure who your MCO is or haven't yet connected with a case manager, KDADS is the appropriate starting point.
Ready to Talk Through Next Steps?
If you believe HCBS services may be the right path and you're looking for a provider who can offer consistent, long-term support — we're glad to have a conversation, even if you're early in the process.
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