Use of the 1915 (c) Federal Waiver Application: The Experience of Eight States

Research staff at the Muskie School of Public Service, USM were requested to evaluate the effectiveness of the revised HCBS waiver application process from the perspective of states. This report summarizes the purpose, scope, approach and findings of the evaluation. The evaluation was designed to provide qualitative information on states' experience using the new HCBS waiver application for initial and renewal waiver applications. The evaluation examined four major issues: Clarity/Consistency: Are the waiver application components (Application, Technical Guide, Review Criteria) clearly understood and do they promote consistent interpretation? Relevancy/Adequacy: Do the application components address the range of waivers and options available to states and are they useful in clarifying the design of the state's waiver program? Burden: Do the application components and processes promote efficiency of state effort? Impact: Do the waiver application components strengthen the waiver program? States identified four primary areas of benefit from the new waiver application process.

Overall Benefits
States identified four primary areas of benefit from the new waiver application process. They found that the waiver application: