Kansas Launched Medicaid Community Supports Waiver

The new program offers support services for Kansas residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Special Needs

Gouache-painted illustration of a simple wooden block bridge, representing support and care for Kansas residents with developmental disabilities. — Kansas has launched a new Medicaid Community Supports Waiver to provide targeted services for residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe state disability programs sufficiently support residents who do not require 24-hour care?

Kansas has launched a new Medicaid Community Supports Waiver to provide services for residents age 5 and older with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The initiative supports individuals who do not require 24-hour paid care but would otherwise need support in an intermediate care facility.

Why it matters

This waiver helps families manage care needs by providing targeted support that prevents the necessity of long-term placement in intermediate care facilities. It was created to provide essential services for individuals who do not require around-the-clock professional assistance.

The program provides up to $20,000 in annual services per participant. Enrollment is capped at 500 people for the first year, with priority given to those who have been waiting the longest for services.

The players

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

The federal agency responsible for overseeing Medicaid and approving state-level health program waivers.

Community Developmental Disability Organization

Local Kansas organizations that coordinate screenings and access to disability services for residents.

Targeted Case Manager

A professional who assists families in navigating eligibility and service options for state-sponsored disability programs.

The details

To participate, applicants must work with a local Community Developmental Disability Organization to complete a screening process. Candidates must also discuss their specific eligibility requirements with a Targeted Case Manager to ensure the waiver meets their needs. The program is designed to bridge the gap for those who need manageable support without full-time, 24-hour paid supervision.

July 1: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved the waiver.
October 2, 2026: Kansas officially launched the Community Supports Waiver.
September 2027: The first year of the program is scheduled to conclude.

The Home Front

This launch represents a shift in state Medicaid policy by prioritizing non-institutional support options for residents. It aligns with broader trends in disability service legislation to move care into community settings.

Families interested in this program should contact their local Community Developmental Disability Organization to begin the screening process. Prepare your documentation to discuss eligibility requirements with a Targeted Case Manager to determine if your family member qualifies.

The takeaway

The program provides a vital alternative to institutional care for those who do not require 24-hour supervision. Families should immediately reach out to their local Community Developmental Disability Organization to check their standing relative to the 500-person enrollment cap.