Home and Community Based Medicaid Waivers

Medicaid waivers were introduced in the 1980s to allow states to use federal and state funds to pay for long term services and supports in the community rather than in institutions.

Colorado was one of the first states to direct public funding away from institutions toward community programs.  The array of Home and Community Based (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers varies from state to state.  Colorado currently has 11 HCBS Medicaid Waivers—four of which are specifically for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

All HCBS Medicaid Waivers have limits on the number of people who can be enrolled.  There are long waiting lists for these waivers.