HCBS Relief Act of 2025

# HCBS Relief Act of 2025 – Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would increase the federal government's financial contribution to state Medicaid programs for home- and community-based services (HCBS) during 2026 and 2027. Medicaid typically splits costs between the federal government and states; this bill would temporarily raise the federal share.

In exchange, states receiving this increased funding would need to commit to improvements in how these services are delivered. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects people who receive care at home or in their communities (rather than in institutions like nursing homes), states that administer Medicaid programs, and home health workers. It could benefit seniors and disabled individuals by potentially expanding access to in-home care services and helping some people currently in nursing facilities return to community living. **Key Conditions:** States accepting the increased federal funding must take steps to improve service delivery—specifically by offering better benefits and pay to home health workers and by assisting individuals who were moved to nursing facilities in relocating back to their homes. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee (S 2076, 119th Congress), meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.