Alaska Medicaid Waivers & Home and Community Based Programs Overview
- Waiver Policy Analyst
- Sep 5, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 23
Alaska, known as The Last Frontier, has a unique Medicaid Waiver and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) system designed to support individuals with disabilities, seniors, and those requiring long-term care in some of the most remote regions of the United States. The Alaska Department of Health (DOH), Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS) administers the state’s Medicaid waiver programs, ensuring that eligible residents can receive personal care, respite, habilitation, environmental modifications, and skilled nursing services in their homes or community settings instead of institutional care.
Key waiver programs include the Alaskans Living Independently (ALI) Waiver, the Adults with Physical and Developmental Disabilities (APDD) Waiver, the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Waiver, and the Children with Complex Medical Conditions (CCMC) Waiver. Due to the state’s vast geography and rural nature, Alaska places a strong emphasis on Telehealth Services, Tribal Health Programs, and Flexible Service Delivery Models to ensure that waiver participants in remote areas have equitable access to care.
Regulatory oversight in Alaska is managed through SDS, which sets compliance standards, approves provider enrollments, and ensures adherence to federal Medicaid requirements. Providers must be certified through the SDS Provider Certification Process and comply with regulations set by the Department of Health’s Licensing and Certification Unit. Care coordination is a crucial component of Alaska’s HCBS system, with Care Coordinators serving as the primary link between individuals and waiver services, ensuring person-centered planning and compliance with Medicaid requirements.
Additionally, Tribal Health Organizations play a significant role in Alaska’s Medicaid service delivery, particularly under the Alaska Tribal Health System (ATHS), which integrates tribal and state resources to expand access to HCBS. With a focus on self-direction, cultural competency, and innovative service models, Alaska’s Medicaid waiver system is tailored to meet the diverse needs of its population while navigating the challenges of rural healthcare delivery.
Explore Policy and Procedure manual for licensing and certification for your state Medicaid Waiver and HCBS programs here.