Question 1

What is HCS?

Accepted Answer

Home and Community-based Services (HCS) is a Texas Medicaid waiver program run by Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC). It provides services and supports to people with an intellectual disability or a related condition so they can live in the community: with family, in their own home, with a host family, or in a small group home. HCS adds to the help a person already gets from family and other programs rather than replacing it.

Question 2

What is TxHmL?

Accepted Answer

Texas Home Living (TxHmL) is a Texas Medicaid waiver program for people with an intellectual disability or a related condition who live in their own home or their family's home. It provides essential services such as community support, respite, skills and socialization, employment support, nursing, and therapies, so people can keep living where they are.

Question 3

What is the difference between HCS and TxHmL?

Accepted Answer

Both serve people with an intellectual disability or a related condition. HCS offers a wider range of services, including residential options like host homes and group homes. TxHmL is for people who live in their own or their family's home and covers a smaller set of services. Your LIDDA can tell you which program you are enrolled in or waiting for.

Question 4

Who qualifies for HCS or TxHmL?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility is decided by the state, not by a provider. In general, a person must have an IQ of 69 or below, or an approved related condition with an IQ of 75 or below; have challenges with everyday adaptive skills; be eligible for Medicaid; and not be enrolled in another Medicaid waiver program. HCS is for people not living in an institution. TxHmL is for people living in their own or family home.

Question 5

How do I get on the interest list?

Accepted Answer

Contact the Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority (LIDDA) that serves your county and ask to be added to the HCS or TxHmL interest list. Offers are made based on need, the date you were added, and available funding, so it is worth adding your name as early as you can. When an offer comes, your LIDDA helps you apply.

Question 6

Can I get services at home, or only in a group home?

Accepted Answer

Both. You can get support in your own home or your family's home through supported home living or Community First Choice (CFC), live with a host family through host home or companion care, or live in a small group home with no more than three housemates. The right setting depends on what you want and what is in your plan.

Question 7

What is Individualized Skills and Socialization?

Accepted Answer

Individualized Skills and Socialization (ISS) is a daytime service that replaced day habilitation. It offers activities at community sites, chosen around your interests and goals, where you build skills, confidence, and friendships.

Question 8

Is transportation included?

Accepted Answer

Transportation is part of supported home living in HCS and community support in TxHmL, as authorized in your plan. If you live in a host home or group home, staff help you get to appointments, activities, and work.

Question 9

What does Abricare do, and what does my service coordinator do?

Accepted Answer

Your service coordinator works for your LIDDA. They lead your planning, help you apply, and make sure your plan is followed. Abricare is your program provider: we deliver the services in your plan every day, train and supervise staff, coordinate with your doctors and therapists, and keep you, your family, and your service coordinator informed.

Question 10

Does it cost anything?

Accepted Answer

HCS and TxHmL services are paid for by Medicaid. If you live in a host home or group home, room and board are separate and are usually paid from your own income, such as SSI. We will explain exactly what applies to you before services start.

Question 11

Can I hire my own support workers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for some services. If you live in your own or family home, the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) option lets you recruit, hire, train, and manage some of your own workers. A financial management services agency handles payroll, taxes, and background checks.

Question 12

How do I choose a provider?

Accepted Answer

When you enroll, you choose a program provider from those contracted in your area. Your service coordinator can share the list. We are always glad to meet with you first, answer your questions, and explain how we would support you.

Question 13

Can I change HCS or TxHmL providers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can change providers at any time, even if you move to another part of Texas. Talk with your service coordinator, who will help arrange the transfer. If you are thinking about moving to Abricare, call us and we will walk you through what to expect.

Question 14

What areas does Abricare serve?

Accepted Answer

Abricare is based in Arlington, Texas and serves Arlington and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. If you are not sure whether we serve your county, call us and we will let you know.

Question 15

How do I make a referral?

Accepted Answer

Anyone can start a referral: the individual, a family member, an LAR, a service coordinator, or a community partner. Use the form on our Referrals page, or call (682) 267-1102. Please do not send diagnoses, Medicaid numbers, or Social Security numbers through the website.

Question 16

Who do I contact with a complaint or concern?

Accepted Answer

Please tell us first, so we can make it right. Call (682) 267-1102 or email info@abricareinc.com. You can also contact HHSC Complaint and Incident Intake at 1-800-458-9858. To report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation, call the Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400. In an emergency, call 911.

Answers to Your Questions

Understanding the programs

Services and daily life

Choosing Abricare

Referrals and concerns

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