Speak Up for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Hub

Learn about the services that help people with disabilities live, work, and thrive in their communities—and explore ways to help protect and strengthen HCBS.

Medicaid, the main program that pays for HCBS.

Medicaid is the main program that pays for HCBS

Medicaid Waiver

Many HCBS are provided through Medicaid waivers.

HCBS are services and supports

HCBS are services and supports that help people live at home and in their communities.

HCBS can include:

Support staff

Support staff

Assistive technology

Assistive technology

equipment and supplies-icon

Equipment and supplies

Communication support

Communication support

Transportation

Transportation

Employment support

Employment support

Therapy Services

Therapy services

Specialist

Specialist and provider services

Whether you are new to HCBS or already informed, this hub provides clear overviews of what HCBS are, why they matter, and the federal and Pennsylvania issues affecting them.

You can use this Hub in two ways. Explore the featured toolkit below for a deeper look at a specific HCBS issue, or scroll down to browse the quick Hub overviews first.

The featured toolkit includes clear explanations, stories, and practical resources to help you understand the issue, share your experience, speak with confidence, and make your voice heard.

Featured Toolkit

Protecting and Strengthening Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Toolkit

Learn why HCBS are especially vulnerable, how Medicaid cuts and policy changes can threaten these services, and why HCBS need both protection and strengthening.

Explore this toolkit

More HCBS toolkits are coming.
Future toolkits will cover topics such as waiting lists, workforce shortages, assistive technology, administrative barriers, and emerging HCBS issues

Explore the HCBS Hub
Choose a topic below to learn more about HCBS and current issues.

What are Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) are Medicaid-funded long-term services and supports that help people with disabilities and older adults live in their own homes and communities instead of institutions or nursing facilities.

Depending on a person’s needs, HCBS may include:

  • Personal assistance
  • Employment supports
  • In-home nursing
  • Community participation
  • Transportation
  • Respite care
  • Assistive technology
  • Other services that support independent living

For millions of people, HCBS make it possible to work, attend school, spend time with family, and participate in their communities.

Want to learn more?
→ Continue to the Protecting and Strengthening HCBS Toolkit.

Why are HCBS important?

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) help people with disabilities live with greater independence, choice, and dignity. They often cost less than institutional care while producing better outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.

HCBS allow people to:

  • Live in their own homes and communities.
  • Work, attend school, and volunteer.
  • Build relationships with family and friends.
  • Participate in community life.
  • Make decisions about their own lives.

Protecting HCBS helps ensure people can continue living where they choose with the supports they need.

Want to learn more?
→ Continue to the Protecting and Strengthening HCBS Toolkit.

Why is PennTASH focused on HCBS right now?

Home and Community-Based Services are facing growing challenges at both the federal and state levels. Proposed Medicaid funding changes, workforce shortages, and increasing demand all threaten access to these essential services.

PennTASH is focusing on HCBS because protecting community living is central to disability rights and inclusion. When HCBS are weakened, people may lose services that allow them to remain in their homes, participate in their communities, and avoid unnecessary institutionalization.

Want to learn more?
→ Continue in the HCBS Toolkit.

Federal Issues

Federal decisions about Medicaid funding and disability policy can directly affect Home and Community-Based Services across the country.

This section will explain:

  • Current federal legislation and proposals.
  • How Congress can affect HCBS funding.
  • National advocacy priorities.
  • Opportunities to contact your Members of Congress.

Featured toolkits will help you understand current federal issues and take action when needed.

Want to learn more?
→ Continue in the HCBS Toolkit.

Pennsylvania Issues

Pennsylvania makes many decisions about how Home and Community-Based Services are funded, administered, and delivered.

This section will cover topics such as:

  • Pennsylvania budget decisions.
  • Waiver programs.
  • State legislation.
  • State agencies and policies.
  • Opportunities to contact Pennsylvania legislators and officials.

Featured toolkits will provide practical guidance for current Pennsylvania issues.

Want to learn more?
→ Continue in the HCBS Toolkit.

More HCBS Toolkits Coming Soon

PennTASH is building a growing collection of practical toolkits covering important Home and Community-Based Services issues.

Future toolkits may include topics such as:

  • Direct Support Professional workforce.
  • Waiting lists.
  • Self-direction.
  • Transportation.
  • Employment supports.
  • Housing.
  • Assistive technology.
  • Other emerging HCBS issues.

Check back often as new resources are added.

Want to learn more?
→ Continue in the HCBS Toolkit.

Ready to Speak Up?