How to start HCBS in every state

HCBS is not one national application. States operate different 1915(c), 1115 and state-plan services for different target groups. This directory combines the state's Medicaid starting route with selected program names already in the Awareverse state guide and a live CMS waiver search.

Waiting list is not the same as ineligible. Ask for the exact program, eligibility determination, level-of-care assessment, interest/wait-list status, priority category and any appealable written notice. Some states have multiple entry points for children, adults, I/DD, physical disability, brain injury or aging services.

State	Selected HCBS examples	Start / apply	Live federal program search
Alabama	Community Waiver Program (CWP) • Intellectual Disabilities Waiver • Living at Home Waiver • Elderly and Disabled Waiver • SAIL Waiver • Technology Assisted Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Alabama
Alaska	Adults with Physical and Developmental Disabilities Waiver • Alaskans Living Independently Waiver • Children with Complex Medical Conditions Waiver • Individualized Supports Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Alaska
Arizona	Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) • DDD home and community-based services under Arizona’s Medicaid demonstration	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Arizona
Arkansas	Community and Employment Support (CES) Waiver • ARChoices in Homecare • Living Choices Assisted Living	State Medicaid / eligibility route Ask Arkansas Medicaid to screen for regular eligibility, TEFRA for eligible children with disabilities, and any appropriate HCBS waiver or developmental-disability pathway.	Search current CMS waivers for Arkansas
California	HCBS Waiver for Californians with Developmental Disabilities • Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver • Assisted Living Waiver • Multipurpose Senior Services Program • Medi-Cal Waiver Program	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for California
Colorado	Developmental Disabilities Waiver • Supported Living Services Waiver • Children’s Extensive Support Waiver • Elderly, Blind and Disabled Waiver • Brain Injury Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Colorado
Connecticut	Comprehensive Supports Waiver • Individual and Family Supports Waiver • Katie Beckett Waiver • Acquired Brain Injury Waivers • Mental Health Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Connecticut
Delaware	Diamond State Health Plan Plus LTSS/HCBS • DDDS Lifespan Waiver/services — verify current authority	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Delaware
Florida	iBudget Florida Waiver • Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program • Familial Dysautonomia Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Florida
Georgia	NOW Waiver • COMP Waiver • Independent Care Waiver Program • Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program	State Medicaid / eligibility route Ask Georgia Medicaid about regular eligibility, the Katie Beckett/Deeming Waiver route for eligible children with disabilities, and other HCBS programs.	Search current CMS waivers for Georgia
Hawaii	QUEST Integration long-term services and supports • HCBS Waiver for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Hawaii
Idaho	Developmental Disabilities Waiver • Aged and Disabled Waiver • Children’s developmental disability services — verify current Medicaid authority	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Idaho
Illinois	Adults with Developmental Disabilities Waiver • Children’s Support Waiver • Children’s Residential Waiver • Persons with Disabilities Waiver • Brain Injury Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Illinois
Indiana	Family Supports Waiver • Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver • Aged and Disabled Waiver • Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Indiana
Iowa	Health and Disability Waiver • Intellectual Disability Waiver • Brain Injury Waiver • Children’s Mental Health Waiver • Elderly Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Iowa
Kansas	Intellectual and Developmental Disability Waiver • Physical Disability Waiver • Frail Elderly Waiver • Brain Injury Waiver • Serious Emotional Disturbance Waiver • Technology Assisted Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Kansas
Kentucky	Michelle P. Waiver • Supports for Community Living Waiver • Home and Community Based Waiver • Model II Waiver • Children with High Acuity Needs / CHILD Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Kentucky
Louisiana	New Opportunities Waiver (NOW) • Residential Options Waiver • Supports Waiver • Children’s Choice Waiver • Community Choices Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Louisiana
Maine	Section 21 Comprehensive Waiver • Section 29 Support Waiver • Section 18 Brain Injury Waiver • Section 20 Other Related Conditions Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Maine
Maryland	Community Pathways Waiver • Community Supports Waiver • Family Supports Waiver • Autism Waiver • Community Options Waiver • Brain Injury Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Maryland
Massachusetts	DDS Adult Supports Waiver • DDS Community Living Waiver • DDS Intensive Supports Waiver • Acquired Brain Injury Waivers • Moving Forward Plan Waivers	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Massachusetts
Michigan	Habilitation Supports Waiver • Children’s Waiver Program • MI Choice Waiver • Serious Emotional Disturbance Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Michigan
Minnesota	Community Alternative Care (CAC) Waiver • Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) Waiver • Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver • Brain Injury (BI) Waiver • Elderly Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Ask Minnesota DHS/MNsure to screen for Medical Assistance, TEFRA for children with disabilities, and the CAC, CADI, DD or BI waiver pathways where appropriate.	Search current CMS waivers for Minnesota
Mississippi	Intellectual Disabilities/Developmental Disabilities Waiver • Elderly and Disabled Waiver • Assisted Living Waiver • Traumatic Brain Injury/Spinal Cord Injury Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Mississippi
Missouri	Aged and Disabled Waiver • MOCDD / Children with Developmental Disabilities Waiver • DD Comprehensive Waiver • DD Community Support Waiver • Partnership for Hope Waiver • Brain Injury Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Missouri
Montana	Big Sky Waiver • Home and Community Based Waiver for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities • SDMI HCBS Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Montana
Nebraska	Aged/Adults and Children with Disabilities Waiver • Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver • Family Support Waiver • Comprehensive Developmental Disabilities Services Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Nebraska
Nevada	HCBS Waiver for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities • Frail Elderly Waiver • Physical Disabilities Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Nevada
New Hampshire	Choices for Independence Waiver • Developmental Disabilities Waiver • Acquired Brain Disorder Waiver • In Home Supports Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for New Hampshire
New Jersey	Community Care Program • Supports Program • Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) • Children’s System of Care Medicaid services	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for New Jersey
New Mexico	Developmental Disabilities Waiver • Mi Via Waiver • Supports Waiver • Medically Fragile Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for New Mexico
New York	OPWDD Comprehensive HCBS Waiver • Children’s Waiver • Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) Waiver • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for New York
North Carolina	NC Innovations Waiver • Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver • CAP/C — Community Alternatives Program for Children • CAP/DA — Disabled Adults	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for North Carolina
North Dakota	Traditional Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities Waiver • Autism Spectrum Disorder services/waiver pathway — verify current authority • Aged and Disabled Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for North Dakota
Ohio	Level One Waiver • Individual Options Waiver • SELF Waiver • OhioRISE • Ohio Home Care Waiver • PASSPORT	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Ohio
Oklahoma	ADvantage Waiver • Community Waiver • Homeward Bound Waiver • In-Home Supports Waiver for Adults • In-Home Supports Waiver for Children	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Oklahoma
Oregon	Aged and Physically Disabled HCBS • Adults HCBS • Children’s HCBS Waiver • Children’s Extraordinary Needs Waiver • Medically Fragile / Medically Involved Children’s programs	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Oregon
Pennsylvania	Consolidated Waiver • Community Living Waiver • Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) Waiver • Adult Autism Waiver • OBRA Waiver • Community HealthChoices	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Pennsylvania
Rhode Island	Global Consumer Choice Compact 1115 HCBS • I/DD home and community-based services • Katie Beckett/TEFRA pathway	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Rhode Island
South Carolina	Community Choices Waiver • Community Supports Waiver • Intellectual Disability/Related Disabilities Waiver • Head and Spinal Cord Injury Waiver • Medically Complex Children Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Ask South Carolina Healthy Connections Medicaid about regular eligibility, TEFRA/Katie Beckett-style disability eligibility where applicable, and HCBS waiver pathways.	Search current CMS waivers for South Carolina
South Dakota	CHOICES Waiver • Family Support 360 Waiver • Home and Community-Based Services for South Dakotans • Assistive Daily Living Services	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for South Dakota
Tennessee	Employment and Community First CHOICES • CHOICES • Katie Beckett Program • Self-Determination Waiver • Comprehensive Aggregate Cap Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Ask TennCare to screen for regular Medicaid, the Katie Beckett Program for eligible children with disabilities, ECF CHOICES and other disability-related pathways.	Search current CMS waivers for Tennessee
Texas	Home and Community-based Services (HCS) • Texas Home Living (TxHmL) • CLASS • Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD) • Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP) • STAR+PLUS HCBS	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Texas
Utah	Community Supports Waiver • New Choices Waiver • Physical Disabilities Waiver • Technology Dependent Waiver • Acquired Brain Injury Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Utah
Vermont	Choices for Care • Global Commitment to Health 1115 • Developmental Disabilities Home and Community-Based Services	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Vermont
Virginia	Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC Plus) Waiver • Family and Individual Supports Waiver • Community Living Waiver • Building Independence Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Virginia
Washington	Core Waiver • Basic Plus Waiver • Community Protection Waiver • Individual and Family Services (IFS) Waiver • COPES • New Freedom Waiver • Residential Support Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Washington
West Virginia	Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Waiver • Aged and Disabled Waiver • Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver • Children with Serious Emotional Disorder Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for West Virginia
Wisconsin	Family Care • IRIS — Include, Respect, I Self-Direct • Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) Waiver • Family Care Partnership	State Medicaid / eligibility route Ask Wisconsin Medicaid to screen for regular eligibility, Katie Beckett Medicaid for eligible children with disabilities, Children's Long-Term Support and other HCBS pathways.	Search current CMS waivers for Wisconsin
Wyoming	Comprehensive Waiver • Supports Waiver • Community Choices Waiver	State Medicaid / eligibility route Apply through the state Medicaid route and ask the agency to screen for every disability-related eligibility category that may apply, including HCBS waiver pathways and any state TEFRA/Katie Beckett option. Eligibility rules and waiting lists are state-specific.	Search current CMS waivers for Wyoming

Application checklist

Identify the target group. Age, diagnosis, developmental disability, physical disability, brain injury and level-of-care rules determine which program fits.
Apply through the state's entry point. Ask for all relevant disability-based Medicaid and HCBS pathways, not only ordinary income Medicaid.
Complete functional / level-of-care assessment. Keep copies of assessments, clinical records and support-needs evidence.
Get status in writing. If there is a wait or interest list, ask for the exact list name, date added and priority category.
Appeal an adverse decision. Use the deadline on the notice and ask whether benefits can continue during an appeal where relevant.

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