What is an HCBS waiver?

A waiver is a program that provides services that allow individuals to remain in their own home or live in a community setting. Illinois has nine HCBS waivers. Each waiver is designed for individuals with similar needs and offers a different set of services. For more information about the waivers and their services, see the list below.

Who is eligible for a HCBS waiver?

1. Individuals must be U.S. citizens or legal aliens and residents of the state of Illinois.
2. Individuals must meet Medicaid financial eligibility criteria.
3. Individuals must require an institutional level of care as specified by each waiver.
4. Individuals’ service needs must be able to be provided cost-effectively.

What do you mean by cost effective?

Cost effective means states cannot spend more on waiver services than it would cost to provide care in a hospital, nursing facility, or intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled.  Each waiver uses one or more of these institutions as a cost comparison for services.

Current HCBS waivers

All Illinois waivers are 1915 (c) waivers. Click on the links below to learn more about each waiver. The Fact Sheets provide details on eligibility and services as well as contact and application information. 

• Children and Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities-Support Waiver
• Children and Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities-Residential Waiver
  
• Children that are Technology Dependent/Medically Fragile
• Persons with Disabilities
• Persons with Brain Injuries (BI)
• Adults with Developmental Disabilities
• Persons who are Elderly
• Persons with HIV or AIDS
• Supportive Living Facilities