Home and Community-Based Services Settings Rule

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) were developed to offer support to individuals in community settings, as an alternative to institutional care. HCBS are long-term services and supports provided in home and community-based settings, as recognized under the federal Medicaid program, known as Medi-Cal in California. These services can be a combination of standard medical services and non-medical services. Standard services can include, but are not limited to,

• Case management (i.e. supports and service coordination)
• Homemaker
• Home health aide
• Personal care
• Adult day health services
• Habilitation (both day and residential)
• Respite care

States can also propose “other” types of services that may assist in diverting and/or transitioning individuals from institutional settings into their homes and community.

In 2014, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) launched the Home and Community-Based Services Settings Rule. This federal rule requires HCBS programs and the homes where services are provided to meet specific requirements. More information can be found under the Frequently Asked Questions section found below.