Rhode Island Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waivers

Home and Community-Based 1915(c) Waivers for Respite Support

Medicaid is a program in every state that pays for medical assistance for certain individuals and families with low incomes and resources. It is the largest source of funding for medical and health-related services for America’s poorest people. Because Medicaid is funded jointly by the federal and state governments, the services paid for vary from state to state. In addition to medical services, Medicaid will pay for home and community-based services (HCBS) through the state plan as well as through Medicaid waivers that offer services as a lower-cost alternative to treatment in a medical or long-term care facility, such as a nursing home. Respite is usually paid for through one or more of the following types of waivers: research and demonstration (1115), managed care (1915b) and HCBS (1915c) waiver programs. 

 All Rhode Island Home and Community-Based 1915(c) waivers have been incorporated into the 1115 “Comprehensive Demonstration” waiver and are now operated as Managed Long-term Services and Supports (MTLSS). All of the waiver services offered by the Home and Community-Based 1915(c) waivers including respite care are to continue to be provided in the MLTSS delivery system.