SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), through its Office of Aging and People with Disabilities, is inviting public comment on two key Medicaid waivers that support in-home and community-based care for older adults and people with disabilities.
The waivers — which must be renewed through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services — are set to expire Dec. 31, 2026. If approved, they will continue allowing Oregon to adapt standard Medicaid rules so eligible individuals can receive services outside of institutional settings.
Public comments on the proposed renewals are due by May 31, 2026.
Key Waivers Up for Renewal
The first waiver, known as the 1915(c) Aged and Physically Disabled Waiver, funds a range of services designed to help individuals remain in their homes or transition back into community settings. These include case management, housing support, and community transition services for people leaving hospitals or long-term care facilities. The waiver also expands Medicaid eligibility to individuals whose income would otherwise exceed standard limits, provided they meet specific criteria.
The second waiver, the 1915(b)(4) Case Management and Agency with Choice Freedom of Choice Waiver, allows the state to contract with a limited network of approved providers — including Area Agency on Aging offices, APD offices, and Tribal entities — to deliver services outlined in the 1915(c) waiver. It also permits contracts with up to two “Agency with Choice” providers.
Proposed Updates
ODHS officials say the renewal applications include several updates aimed at improving clarity and ensuring compliance with federal requirements.
Among the proposed changes to the 1915(c) waiver:
- Case managers would be required to formally document a person’s choice of services, settings, and providers using a standardized form.
- Transitions from hospitals to community settings must lead to living arrangements that are more independent and less restrictive.
Both waiver applications also include updated cost projections and reflect an expected increase in demand for case management services due to growing caseloads.
How to Participate
Draft versions of the waiver applications are available online through the APD website, with printed copies also accessible at local APD and Area Agency on Aging offices.
Members of the public can submit comments by email or by mail to ODHS. All feedback must be received by May 31.
State officials will review submissions before finalizing and sending the renewal applications to CMS by July 4, 2026. If approved, the waivers will take effect Jan. 1, 2027, and remain in place through Dec. 31, 2031.
For more information or to request printed materials, individuals can contact APD Medicaid State Plan and Waiver Policy Analyst Beth Jackson.
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