Medicaid
KFF tracks a decade of waiting lists for Medicaid home care as federal cuts loom
KFF's new look at Medicaid home and community care waiting lists from 2016 to 2026 warns that reduced federal funding could lead states to cap home care slots, making waits longer for older adults.
Key facts
- KFF published an analysis on October 5 of waiting lists for Medicaid home and community-based services from 2016 to 2026.
- Medicaid pays for more than two-thirds of long-term care delivered at home and in the community.
- KFF estimates more than 5 million Medicaid enrollees use home care, and about half get it through waivers, which let states limit how many people are served.
What happened
KFF published an analysis on October 5 of waiting lists for Medicaid home and community-based services from 2016 to 2026. Medicaid pays for more than two-thirds of long-term care delivered at home and in the community. KFF estimates more than 5 million Medicaid enrollees use home care, and about half get it through waivers, which let states limit how many people are served.
KFF says the 2025 reconciliation law is expected to significantly reduce federal Medicaid funding. If states respond by reducing waiver slots, waiting lists could grow. Recent tracking shows some states have cut programs, while in many cases proposed cuts were not enacted and other states continue to make enhancements.
What it means for families
Waiting lists are how many states ration home care. If your parent may need help at home through Medicaid, getting on a list early can matter more than waiting for a crisis.
For example: a mother who can still manage with family help today might qualify for a waiver later. In states with waits, applying now can mean services start sooner when she needs them.
What this means in New York: New York provides much of its home care through Medicaid managed long-term care rather than capped waivers, but some programs have waits. NY Connects can explain what applies.
Quick answers
How many people use Medicaid home care?
KFF published an analysis on October 5 of waiting lists for Medicaid home and community-based services from 2016 to 2026. Medicaid pays for more than two-thirds of long-term care delivered at home and in the community. KFF estimates more than 5 million Medicaid enrollees use home care, and about half get it through waivers, which let states limit how many people are served.
What to do this week
- Ask your local Medicaid office or NY Connects whether the home care program your parent needs has a waiting list.
- If there is a list, ask how to apply now and how often you need to confirm interest.
- Write down your parent's place on any list and the date you applied.
Sources
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