Medicaid Waivers by State
Medicaid waivers allow states to offer home and community-based services to people with disabilities who would otherwise require institutional care. Each state runs its own waiver programs with different eligibility rules, service arrays, and waitlists.
Key takeaways
- Medicaid waivers are approved by the federal government but run by each state — rules vary significantly.
- HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) waivers allow states to provide care at home instead of in institutions.
- Katie Beckett and TEFRA pathways help children qualify for Medicaid regardless of parental income in many states.
- Most waiver programs have waitlists — applying early is critical.
- Services can include personal care, therapies, respite care, assistive technology, and supported employment.
What is a Medicaid waiver?
A Medicaid waiver is federal approval for a state to use Medicaid funding in ways that go beyond the standard Medicaid rules. The most common type is the HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) waiver, which funds support services that allow people with disabilities to live in the community rather than in nursing homes or institutions.
What to look for in your state
When reviewing your state's waiver options, look for: what populations the waiver serves (children, adults, IDD, physical disabilities), what services are covered, what the eligibility requirements are, whether there is a waitlist, and whether parent caregivers can be paid. Each state guide on this site covers all of these.
Browse all states
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