Manatt Health October 24, 2024
More than seven million people in the United States have an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD), encompassing conditions like autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other developmental disorders that affect mental and physical functioning.[i] Medicaid plays a crucial role in supporting this high-needs population, accounting for almost a third of total Medicaid expenditures, including those through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers.[ii] The intersection of Medicaid and the I/DD service delivery system requires collaboration between state Medicaid and I/DD agencies to address the myriad challenges that individuals face in accessing services, including long waitlists, workforce shortages, and access to behavioral health services. The recently released HCBS Access Rule further underscores the importance of close collaboration, as states must...