Home and community health care established under Section 1929 of the Social Security Act. It allowed states to provide a large range of services to the functionally disabled as an optional state plan benefit. In every state, except Texas, the option can serve only people older than 65. In Texas, people of any age are eligible if they meet the state’s functional disability test and financial criteria. Also known as the frail elderly provision .

Established under Section 2176 of the Omnibus Reconciliation Act; permit states to offer, under a waiver, a wide array of home and community-based services that an individual may need to avoid institutionalization. These programs offer different choices to some people with Medicaid such as case management, homemaker, home health aide, personal care, adult day health care, rehabilitation, respite care, and other services. Those that qualify may obtain care in their home and community so that they can stay independent and close to family and friends. HCBS programs help the elderly and disabled, mentally retarded, developmentally disabled, and certain other disabled adults. These programs give quality and low-cost services.

Type of program with health and social services given to individuals and families where they reside for promoting, maintaining, or restoring health and minimizing effects of illness and disability.

Public or private licensed, certified, or authorized state agency or organization that gives home care services that have been prescribed by a patient’s physician such as skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and personal care by home health aides. To be certified under the Medicare program, a provider or agency must meet certain health and safety standards and provide skilled nursing services and at least one additional therapeutic service (physical, speech, or occupational therapy; medical social services; or home health aide services) in the home. Some outpatient services may be covered if equipment is necessary and cannot be used in the patient’s home. Also called home health care agency .