Question

which of the following statements is true?

waiver services cant cost more than providing care in an institution.

waiver services can cost more than providing care in an institution if the need for them can be proven.

waiver services can cost more than providing care in an institution if the person has a severe disability.

Explanation:

Analyze Medicaid waiver cost requirements

Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers operate under a federal requirement known as "cost neutrality." This means that, on average, the cost of providing services to individuals under the waiver cannot exceed the estimated cost of providing care for those same individuals in an institutional setting (such as a nursing home or intermediate care facility).

Evaluate the given options

• Statement 1: "Waiver services can't cost more than providing care in an institution." This aligns directly with the federal cost-neutrality mandate for HCBS waivers.
• Statement 2: "Waiver services can cost more than providing care in an institution if the need for them can be proven." This is incorrect because the cost-neutrality limit is a strict regulatory ceiling.
• Statement 3: "Waiver services can cost more than providing care in an institution if the person has a severe disability." This is incorrect because even for individuals with severe disabilities, the average waiver cost must remain at or below institutional costs.

Answer:

• Waiver services can't cost more than providing care in an institution. (Correct answer)
• Waiver services can cost more than providing care in an institution if the need for them can be proven.
• Waiver services can cost more than providing care in an institution if the person has a severe disability.