Bridging Gaps in Community Living: Unlocking the Power of the Supports Waiver

For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), meaningful participation in community life shouldn’t be a privilege—it should be a right. The Supports Waiver is one of the most impactful Medicaid-funded programs designed to uphold that right, offering essential services and supports that help individuals live, work, and thrive in their communities.

At Statewise, we believe the Supports Waiver represents a vital bridge between policy and possibility—a framework that empowers independence while respecting each person’s unique journey.

What Is the Supports Waiver?

The Supports Waiver is a Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver program aimed at individuals with IDD who do not require 24/7 institutional care, but still need targeted services to maintain independence. It’s considered a “tiered” option to the Comprehensive Supports Waiver, offering access to a broad but cost-capped set of supports.

In many states, the Supports Waiver acts as a lower-intensity alternative, serving individuals with fewer medical or behavioral complexities or those with strong natural supports in place (e.g., family caregivers). The waiver allows for:

• Community living support

• Employment services

• Respite care

• Assistive technology

• Behavioral support

• Case management and service coordination

These services are not only life-enhancing but often life-sustaining, especially for individuals seeking to remain in family homes or less restrictive environments.

Addressing the Need for Balance: Flexibility Meets Fiscal Responsibility

One of the hallmarks of the Supports Waiver is its cost-conscious design. States are able to serve more individuals by placing annual spending caps per participant, enabling a broader reach without compromising quality of care.

But for providers, balancing those fiscal limits with person-centered service delivery can be a complex challenge.

That’s where Statewise comes in.

Why Statewise Is Built for the Supports Waiver

Providers navigating the Supports Waiver environment must adhere to evolving regulations, accurately track service authorizations, and ensure timely billing—all while delivering high-quality care. Statewise gives agencies the tools to thrive in this environment.

With our platform, providers gain:

• Real-time visibility into waiver spending caps

• Automated tracking of service units and utilization

• Integrated scheduling, documentation, and billing tools

• State-specific compliance safeguards

• Easy-to-use dashboards for DSPs, case managers, and supervisors

By reducing administrative friction and enhancing transparency, Statewise enables providers to focus on what truly matters: empowering individuals to reach their goals in inclusive, community settings.

Supporting the Supports Waiver Vision

The intent of the Supports Waiver is clear—enable individuals with IDD to live full, connected lives while maximizing the use of natural supports and cost-effective services. For families, it provides crucial relief and peace of mind. For states, it creates a scalable model of care. And for providers, it represents both a mission and a mandate.

Statewise stands ready to help providers meet that mandate with confidence.

The Future Is Community-Driven

As demand increases for community-based alternatives to institutional care, the Supports Waiver continues to play an essential role in building a more equitable and responsive care system. But unlocking its full potential requires collaboration between policy, technology, and human compassion.

At Statewise, we’re proud to support that mission—one provider, one person, one community at a time.

Discover how Statewise can help your organization succeed under the Supports Waiver. Get in touch today to see the platform in action.