NHeLP Urges Congress to Make Medicaid HCBS Protections Permanent
In a National Health Law Program commentary, the organization argues that Congress must permanently extend two Medicaid provisions set to expire in 2027: the Money Follows the Person (MFP) demonstration program and spousal impoverishment protections for home and community based services (HCBS). The piece cites MFP's record of helping over 144,000 people transition from institutions to community living since 2005, with states saving 23-30% per person and improved quality-of-life outcomes, while noting a 50% drop in transitions during the 2018-2020 funding lapse. It also points to spousal impoverishment protections, in place since 1988 and extended to HCBS recipients under the ACA in 2014, which prevent spouses from facing poverty when a partner needs long-term care. NHeLP argues that repeated short-term renewals have created instability and calls on Congress to pass bipartisan legislation making both provisions permanent before the 2027 expiration.