Bill · H.R. 8540· House(119-HR-8540)

HCBS Access Act

Age: 73 years

Michigan

Introduced: 4/28/2026
Last activity: 4/28/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, Oversight and Government Reform, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sponsored by: Debbie Dingell
Cosponsors: - 18 - 0

Health

Introduced
In Committee

What this bill would do

The HCBS Access Act aims to amend the Social Security Act to expand and require coverage for home and community-based services under Medicaid. It focuses on eliminating waiting lists and increasing the capacity of community services for people with disabilities and older adults. The bill provides for the creation of a national technical assistance center to build the direct care workforce. Additionally, it authorizes grants for the recruitment, training, and advancement of direct care professionals and support for family caregivers. The Act also includes provisions to improve service quality and establish better data collection through national surveys.

Yes· 3 of 42

Would people over 65 be better off under this?+10
Eliminates waiting lists and increases funding for older adults to live at home.
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+10
Removes barriers to community living and guarantees HCBS as a mandatory benefit.
Would retired people be better off under this?+10
Provides critical long-term supports and protects against spousal impoverishment.

The opposite· 3 of 4

Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-8
Significantly increases government spending on Medicaid and workforce grants.
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-5
Reduces state discretion by making HCBS a mandatory benefit.
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-5
Increases federal spending through 100% federal matching for HCBS expenditures.