HCBS

This brief describes bills to increase funding for states’ home and community-based services, specifically how the increased funding would help ensure care at home, minimize wait lists, increase wages for health workers, and provide for sick leave. This brief was prepared in response to legislation which could impact services and supports for people with disabilities. 

Elevated COVID-19 Mortality Risk Among Recipients of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): A Case for Prioritizing Vaccination for This Population (PDF) makes the case for COVID vaccine prioritization for people with disabilities who are consumers of Home and Community-Based Services. Several states target segments of the disability population, such as those with specified chronic health conditions confirmed to increase the risk of COVID-related mortality, leaving many others at high risk for COVID exposure, severe disease, and mortality to wait for a later phase.