Headline

While there is limited research on whether Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) are available, accessible, accommodating, and acceptable for marginalized groups, existing evidence shows that there are widespread disparities that policymakers should address.

Context

Medicaid HCBS deliver person-centered care to support older adults and people with disabilities to continue living in their homes. While Medicaid must cover institutional care, Medicaid HCBS are optional and vary widely based on geography. These programs have expanded significantly in recent years and will likely continue to grow. This systematic review describes disparities by personal characteristics such as race and ethnicity in HCBS programs related to availability, accessibility, accommodation, and acceptability.

Findings

While there is limited research on disparities in HCBS, the authors conclude that service disparities are widespread within Medicaid HCBS. The wide variation in Medicaid HCBS programs and eligibility, along with the historic prioritization of institutional care, has led to variation in availability, access, accommodation, and acceptability.

Takeaways

As policymakers expand access to Medicaid HCBS, they should consider key steps to address disparities in these programs such as improving data collection, identifying geographic areas to reach individuals with unmet needs, and reducing stigma through mandating Medicaid coverage of HCBS.