What Is the Texas HCS Program? A Simple Guide for Families

What Is the Texas HCS Program?

If you or a loved one has an intellectual or developmental disability, you may hear the term HCS when looking for long-term services and supports in Texas. Understanding what HCS is, how eligibility works, and how the interest list works can make the process easier to navigate.

What Is HCS?

The Texas HCS Program, also known as the Home and Community-based Services (HCS) Program, is a Texas Medicaid waiver program for eligible individuals with an intellectual disability or a related condition.

The program provides services and supports that allow individuals to live and participate in their communities rather than receiving services in an institutional setting.

The program provides services and supports that allow individuals to live and participate in their communities rather than receiving services in an institutional setting.

HCS is designed to supplement other available services and natural supports, such as assistance from family members, community resources, and other programs.

Who May Qualify for HCS?

Eligibility for HCS is determined through the Texas Health and Human Services system. Several requirements must be met, including requirements related to intellectual or developmental disability, level of care, Medicaid financial eligibility, and the individual’s living arrangement.

An individual generally must have an intellectual disability or qualifying related condition and meet the required level-of-care criteria. The individual must also meet Medicaid eligibility requirements and cannot receive services through another Medicaid waiver program at the same time.

Eligibility is not based on diagnosis alone. A formal eligibility and enrollment process is completed before HCS services begin.

What Services Are Available Through HCS?

The specific services a person receives depend on their assessed needs and approved service plan. HCS may include services such as:

• Residential support services and supervised living

• Host Home/Companion Care

• Supported Home Living

• Respite

• Individualized Skills and Socialization

• Employment services

• Behavioral support

• Nursing

• Dental

• Physical, occupational and speech therapy

• Dietary services

• Social work

• Adaptive aids

• Minor home modifications

• Transition assistance services

• Other authorized supports

Not every individual receives every HCS service. Services are selected and authorized according to the individual's needs and program requirements.

Is There an HCS Interest List?

Yes. Texas maintains an interest list for the HCS program.

A person can be placed on the HCS interest list before they are ready to begin services. Being added to the interest list does not mean the person is enrolled in HCS or has been determined eligible for the program.

When an HCS enrollment opportunity becomes available and is offered to an individual, the enrollment and eligibility process begins. Because access to waiver services may involve a significant wait, families should learn about the interest list as early as possible.

For HCS and Texas Home Living (TxHmL), the local intellectual and developmental disability authority, commonly called a LIDDA, assists with placement on the interest list.

Families should also make sure their contact information remains current so they do not miss important communication regarding their interest-list status.

What Can Families Do While Waiting?

Being on the HCS interest list does not necessarily mean a person must go without support while waiting.

Families can explore other programs, community resources, and services for which the individual may qualify. Depending on the person's circumstances, this may include non-medical support in the home, respite, community resources, or other available programs.

At Jonz 1 Forever Cares, our non-medical home care program is separate from the HCS waiver program. Individuals and families who need additional assistance at home may contact our team to learn about available non-medical support while exploring their long-term service options.

Receiving or seeking other support does not automatically mean someone is enrolled in HCS. Families should confirm how any Medicaid-funded program or service could affect waiver eligibility before enrollment.

Who Provides HCS Services?

Texas Health and Human Services Commission contracts with HCS program providers to deliver authorized services.

During the HCS enrollment process, individuals have the right to choose an HCS provider serving their area. Individuals already enrolled in HCS may also have the option to change providers in accordance with program requirements.

Choosing a provider is an important decision. Individuals and families may want to ask about available services, residential options, staffing, communication, person-centered planning, community involvement, and how the provider supports individual choice and independence.

HCS Is About Supporting Life in the Community

HCS is intended to give eligible individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities access to services and supports in community settings.

Every individual's needs, goals and circumstances are different. Learning about HCS early—including the interest list, eligibility process, available services and provider choice—can help families better understand their options and prepare for future decisions.

Need Help Understanding Your Options?

Jonz 1 Forever Cares provides HCS services as well as separate non-medical home care services for individuals who may need additional support at home or in the community.

Our team can help explain the services we provide and connect families with appropriate resources. Official HCS eligibility, interest-list placement and Medicaid determinations are handled through the appropriate Texas agencies.

This article is provided for general educational purposes and is not a determination of Medicaid or HCS eligibility.