Recently, there was a change to the Home and Community Based Services/Frail Elderly (HCBS/FE) Kansas Medicaid program that covers assisted living and home care plus facilities. Beginning July 6, 2026, KanCare implemented a waiting list for the program. This means that even though an applicant is under the Medicaid limit and meets all criteria for eligibility, they will still have to wait until they reach the top of the waiting list before coverage will begin. Because this program does not pay retroactive benefits, it is necessary for the full bill to be paid while the applicant is waiting to get to the top of the list.

The more quickly a person gets on the waiting list, the sooner their coverage will begin. This makes it imperative that all the proper steps are taken to make sure the application is completed and processed as quickly as possible.

The first step is to request the state assessment from the Aging and Disability Recource Center (ADRC). The ADRC will schedule an assessment to determine if the applicant meets the medical eligibility requirements for the HCBS/FE waiver. When that assessment is completed, it is submitted to the Kansas Division for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS). When KDADS enters the assessment into their system, the person is placed on the waiting list.*

While the assessment process is happening, you also need to file the Medicaid application with KanCare. The timing of this can be tricky. In order for the application to be approved, the applicant must show that their assets are below the $2,000 Medicaid limit. However, it can take KanCare 2-3 months or more to process the application.

The catch is that the applicant would need the funds to cover the bills while the application is being processed. Of course, if they still have the funds to pay those bills, they would be over the $2,000 Medicaid limit and the application would be denied. The solution is to prepay the costs at the facility to bring the accounts under the Medicaid limit. Ideally, this prepayment would cover 3-4 months.

In a perfect world, the assessment is submitted, the application is processed and approved, and the person reaches the top of the waiting list at the same time that they reach the end of the prepaid months at the facility. Of course, in reality there are a great deal of unknowns. Most importantly, there is no way to know how quickly the waiting list will move or when an applicant may receive coverage. For now, it is imperative for those in need of HCBS services to set things up in the best way possible.undefined*If an applicant is receiving hospice services, or if an applicant provides verification from a physician that they will require a nursing facility placement within 30 days if not approved for HCBS/FE coverage the state is currently moving those applicants to the top of the list.