What are home and community based services (HCBS) waivers primarily part of?

Home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers are primarily part of Medicaid programs that offer long-term care options. These waivers allow states to use Medicaid funds to provide a variety of services that enable individuals to receive care in their homes or community settings rather than in institutional facilities, such as nursing homes.

The primary purpose of HCBS waivers is to promote independence and enhance the quality of life for individuals who require long-term care. By offering a range of services—such as personal care, homemaker services, and assistance with activities of daily living—HCBS waivers make it possible for older adults and people with disabilities to remain in their homes while still accessing necessary supports.

The other options relate to care models or funding structures that do not align with the core purpose of HCBS waivers. State initiatives to fund nursing homes, federal programs for hospital care, and health insurance policies for elderly patients do not specifically focus on providing flexibility and community-based support as HCBS waivers do within the Medicaid framework. Therefore, option A accurately represents the primary role of HCBS waivers within the Medicaid structure, emphasizing the goal of facilitating care in non-institutional settings.