Today we're looking at an article by Mary Jenkins titled "What is the Texas HCS Interest List?" Mary is a Texas HCS provider whose company, Above and Beyond Caring, has been providing Texas Home and community Based Services to individuals in the Brazoria and Galveston county areas since 2007. Here's her article.

If you are a Texas resident who is interested in receiving home and community-based services (HCS), then you need to be on the Texas HCS Interest List. This is a list of residents who have expressed an interest in receiving HCS. Being on this list will help ensure you receive information about upcoming opportunities to enroll in the HCS program. In this article, we will discuss what the Texas HCS Interest List is and how to join it.

What is the Texas Home and Community-based (HCS) Services program?

The Texas Home and Community-based (HCS) Services program is a Medicaid Waiver program that provides services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The HCS program offers participants the opportunity to receive services in their own homes and communities rather than in institutions. In addition, HCS recipients receive a person-centered service plan designed to meet their unique needs and preferences. The goal of the HCS program is to help participants live as independently as possible.

Medicaid waivers are a pathway to receiving assistance for your loved one. If you haven't already, we recommend you consider adding your child to the waiver interest list(s), also known as "waiting lists," which many parents use. Even if your loved one does not require services at this time, it is critical that they be added to the interest list for any program(s) that may meet their needs in the future. You might have to wait a long time before receiving services under the HCS program. You can always refuse the services later once your loved one reaches the top of the list.

What is the Texas HCS Interest List?

The Texas HCS Interest List is a list of residents who have expressed an interest in receiving home and community-based services through the HCS program. To join the Interest List, contact your Local IDD Authority (LIDDA). You can find your LIDDA's contact information here or use the map below.

How long will I be on the Texas HCS Interest List?

Unfortunately, the Texas HCS Interest List is notoriously long, so it is critical that you get your child or loved one on as soon as possible. The majority of parents express regret for not joining the waiver interest lists when their child was born or initially diagnosed, as some have been on the interest list for as long as 15 years. As of this writing, there are 108,773 individuals on the HCS Interest List in the state of Texas.

What are the benefits of joining the Texas HCS Interest List?

There are numerous benefits to joining the Texas HCS Interest List, including:

You will be contacted when there are opportunities to enroll in the HCS program.
You will receive information about upcoming events and trainings related to the HCS program.
You will have access to resources and support from other families on the Interest List.

About Above and Beyond Caring.

Above and Beyond Caring is a Texas HCS provider that has been providing services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Brazoria and Galveston Counties since 2007. We are dedicated to providing quality services that promote independence, community involvement, and self-advocacy for our clients. Contact us today at (979) 202-0055 to learn more about our services.