Health Care
Nine States' Experiences With Home Care Waivers Gao ID: HRD-89-95 July 14, 1989Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed nine states' experiences in applying for, renewing, and administering Medicaid waivers to permit payment for home care provided to chronically ill children.
GAO reviewed 9 states' waiver activities and found that: (1) they administered 32 home- and community-based waivers; (2) children were eligible for services under 24 of the waivers and represented about 10 percent of the individuals served under those waiver arrangements; (3) officials in 8 of the 9 states were satisfied with the results achieved with their waivers and were able to provide less costly home- and community-based care; (4) officials in all 9 states planned to continue most of their waivers; (5) most states reported difficulties in obtaining initial waivers, but reported less difficulty in obtaining additional waivers; and (6) 6 of the 9 states had problems administering waivers, including difficulties locating providers and problems with staff shortages.