CMS Allows States To Extend PHE-Era Flexibilities For HCBS

The Appendix K waiver allowed home and community-based service (HCBS) providers more wiggle room during emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced the waiver to support states in responding to the unique challenges brought on by the public health emergency. During the PHE, states utilized various flexibilities permitted under Appendix K — the use of telehealth or remote service provisions, increased payment rates and the expansion of self-directed service delivery models — to make changes to their HCBS programs. Read the full article.