Nebraska makes critical changes to AD Waiver ahead of renewal

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — At the direction of Gov. Jim Pillen — and following a thorough review and extensive public review process — the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is revising proposed changes to the Aged and Disabled Waiver.

“I am truly appreciative of the Nebraskans who reached out to my office and participated in the public feedback process,” Pillen said in a press release. “Based on my conversations with dedicated family members and AD Waiver recipients, I directed DHHS to take a second look at the proposal and make necessary changes to ensure Nebraska families continue receiving the support they need.”

Key revisions include:

• Removal of previously proposed Personal Care and Companion hour limits
  • The 40-hour weekly cap on personal care services for live-in caregivers has been eliminated
  • The 70-hour combined limit on Legally Responsible Individual personal care and companion services has also been removed
• Revised provider qualifications
  • DHHS has altered the previously proposed institutional cost limit
    • A 150% modified cap will remain in place, with an exception process available when out-of-home caregivers provide services, as necessary to protect the participant’s immediate health and safety.

The AD Waiver is a Home and Community-Based Services waiver that allows older adults and individuals with disabilities to receive long-term care in their homes or communities rather than in institutional settings.

As part of the federally required five-year renewal process, DHHS initially proposed updates to address significant cost growth, which has increased by more than 300% since 2016.

These revisions will initiate a second public review period. The public comment period will be open from Feb. 2 and run through March 4.

Written comments must be postmarked or received by DHHS no later than March 4.

“DHHS is grateful for the time and thoughtful feedback Nebraskans have shared throughout this process,” said Tony Green, Director of the DHHS Division of Developmental Disabilities. “We believe these revisions will allow us to continue providing high-quality care while responsibly managing costs.”

Following the close of the second public comment period, DHHS will review and post public comments on its website and submit a summarized response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as part of the waiver application.

For more information on the public comment period, visit DHHS’ website.