Background:
Upturn recently launched a report on automated eligibility determinations for Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), Calculated Need: Algorithms and the Fight for Medicaid Home Care. In this presentation, we give an overview of the main findings and goals of the report, including insights from case studies and our analysis of five states’ eligibility algorithms (Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, and Washington, DC). We will also discuss how there can never be a “good” or “fair” algorithm, just ones that are more or less harmful. Our aim is to provide advocates with resources and guiding questions for harm reduction work.
Presenters:
Emma Weil, a Senior Policy Analyst and Miriam Osman, a Policy Analyst at Upturn. They provide technical support to advocates, challenging computer systems and algorithms that mediate access to social safety net programs, as part of the Benefits Tech Advocacy Hub. Their work at Upturn also includes major research into the scope of law enforcement’s power to search cell phones.
Agenda:
- Brief introductions (Tell us your name, UCEDD, State, and interest in the HCBS Special Interest Group)
- Speakers from “Upturn” will share information about HCBS Waivers and algorithms being used to determine eligibility and budgets
- Get information about upcoming events, and Share updates and concerns you are seeing/hearing about regarding Medicaid, Home & Community Based Services, etc.
Meeting Registration:
Please use this link to register in advance for the 2026 meetings.
Please note:
- After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
- Meetings occur the first Wednesday of the month at the same time, unless otherwise announced.
For your reference, monthly meetings are scheduled for the following dates:
- Mar 4, 2026
- Apr 1, 2026
- May 6, 2026
- Jun 3, 2026
- Jul 1, 2026
- Aug 5, 2026
- Sep 2, 2026
Manage Listserv Subscription:
To update your subscription to the HCBS SIG Listserv, or to share with others, please visit: AUCD HCBS Settings Listserv.
Support & Accommodations:
Please let us know in advance if any accessibility supports are needed to participate fully in the meeting, or if you need help accessing the Zoom link. Automated closed captioning will be available via Zoom.
Contact Information:
Topics:
Long-term Services and Supports
