Pat Traynor Interim Commissioner at HHS | HHS
Pat Traynor Interim Commissioner at HHS | HHS
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is requesting public input on a proposed amendment to the state’s Medicaid Traditional Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities/Developmental Disabilities (IID/DD) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver. The comment period will run from August 29 through September 28.
The HCBS waiver provides various in-home and community-based services designed to assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in environments that are as non-restrictive as possible.
A significant change in the proposed amendment is the introduction of host homes as a new service for youth with developmental disabilities. According to HHS, host homes would offer licensed family settings where young people could stay temporarily during times of crisis. These homes would provide specialized training and support tailored to each youth’s needs, aiming to help them move from crisis toward stabilization while maintaining connections with their biological families and working toward reunification.
"The 2025 North Dakota Legislature approved funding for host homes, which supports an HHS strategic priority: advancing the foundations of well-being through access to high-quality services and supports," HHS stated.
Other updates in the amendment include revisions to language regarding internal processes and requirements for provider compliance with incident reporting.
Members of the public can review the full waiver amendment application at hhs.nd.gov/waivers. Copies are also available by mail upon request. Comments may be submitted by mail, email, or phone using the contact information provided by HHS.
After collecting public feedback, HHS will submit the waiver amendment to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). If approved within standard CMS review timelines, the changes are expected to take effect on January 1, 2026.
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