Understanding Medicaid

Home and Community Services: A Primer

People of all ages with disabilities want the same opportunities every American wants: not just to survive, but to thrive. They want to live in their own homes and make decisions about daily activities, so they can go to school, work, church, recreation, and can participate fully in their communities. Historically, people with disabilities have not always been allowed this birthright. Society has often focused on a person’s disabilities rather than his or her abilities. But changes in philosophy and law have led to a new approach. People with disabilities are now recognized as being able to live in their own homes and other community settings and to lead satisfying and productive lives when provided the range of services and supports they need to do so.

This is the introduction found in “Understanding Medicaid: Home and Community Services: A Primer. The primer was published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. With all the efforts in working in Systems Change, changing to the Person Centered Approach to doing business, Inclusion Research Institute felt that everyone should be aware of this useful tool.

You may obtain the Primer directly off the Internet at the following address: http://aspe.hhs.gov/daltcp/reports/primer.htm