The New Medicaid Access Rule: Primer and Advocacy Strategies December 17, 2024

In April 2024, the federal government finalized a set of regulations known as the HCBS Access Rule. The Rule establishes new protections for HCBS participants and applicants, including requirements related to waitlists, service planning, grievances, critical incidents, quality measures, and participant involvement in setting state policy.

States must implement the HCBS Access Rule from 2025 through 2029, with the specific deadline varying depending on the requirement. For example, the Rule requires that each state develop an HCBS grievance system by July 2026.

The webinar will explain each major provision of the Access Rule, with emphasis on the important work that needs to be done within individual states to best promote beneficiary health, safety and well-being. States are – or should be – starting implementation work now. And now is the time for HCBS participants and their advocates to begin their own advocacy to ensure that implementation is meaningful and participant-focused.