Notice of Intent to Amend the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for Elders and the Personal Care Assistance Waiver

The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) published a Notice of Intent dated November 3, 2026, announcing its plan to submit waiver amendment applications to CMS for two Medicaid 1915(c) home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers: the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) waiver and the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) waiver. The notice is issued pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes section 17b-8. For the CHCPE waiver, DSS proposes three amendments. First, the Adult Family Living service definition and provider standards are revised to clarify agency and caregiver expectations around training, oversight, and responsibility. Second, Assisted Living gains a new Level 5 acuity tier to support members with higher care needs aging in place. Third, the Training and Counseling Services for Unpaid Caregivers Supporting Participants (COPE) service adds a second delivery model permitting an independent occupational therapist to deliver the service without a registered nurse, a model approved by the COPE certifying body. For the PCA waiver, DSS proposes two of the same three amendments: the Adult Family Living service definition and provider standard revisions, and the COPE second delivery model allowing independent occupational therapist engagement without a registered nurse. The public comment period closes December 3, 2026. Written comments must be submitted to Christine Weston, Director of Community Options Unit, DSS Central Office, 55 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105, or via email at Public.Comment.DSS@ct.gov. Full waiver amendment applications are available at no cost upon request from DSS or at any DSS field office or the Town of Vernon Social Services Department.