CA AB2081

Requires the Department of Health Care Services to add at least 10,000 new Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver slots annually beginning in 2027, enabling eligible individuals to receive care in their homes rather than nursing facilities

Mandates the department seek waiver amendments by March 1, 2027, to eliminate the existing waiting list and enroll all eligible individuals who want to participate in the program

Requires annual legislative reports starting January 1, 2027, detailing waiver slot availability, waiting list numbers, demographic breakdowns of enrollees (age, race, ethnicity, primary language), and efforts to reduce waiting lists

Removes the previous cap of 5,000 additional waiver slots and eliminates the federal cost neutrality requirement as a condition for program implementation

Requires ongoing monitoring and proactive capacity expansion at least 180 days before reaching enrollment limits to prevent future waiting lists