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KDADS delays Community Support Waiver implementation to fall 2026; public comment set for Jan'Feb
Summary
Kansas's Department for Aging & Disability Services (KDADS) said it has moved the Community Support Waiver (CSW) implementation from summer to fall 2026, will hold a 30-day public comment period mid-January through mid-February 2026 with six in-person sessions plus virtual and phone options, and will list 500 spots per year in the initial waiver application pending legislative funding for expansion.
Kansas's Department for Aging & Disability Services (KDADS) told attendees at a November town hall that it has moved the anticipated implementation date for the Community Support Waiver (CSW) to fall 2026 and will open a 30-day public comment period in mid-January through mid-February 2026.
At the start of the meeting Audrey Davis, who led the timeline presentation, said the change "allows us to build a waiver that incorporates the thoughtful feedback we've received." KDADS staff said that Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) review is expected to begin in April 2026.
KDADS described the public-comment process it will use to meet federal requirements: the full draft waiver will be posted online, the state will publish at least two public notices (one non-electronic) and remain open for at least 30 days, and it will accept input via six planned in-person sessions across the state plus virtual participation, an online feedback form, an email address, and a phone line. KDADS said it will summarize and paraphrase comments for inclusion in the waiver application, keep commenter names private, and will respond only to comments that are directly related to waiver language.
On capacity, Elian (KDADS) told participants that the CSW application will list 500 slots for year one and also show 500 slots in the language for years two and three because KDADS currently has funding only for 500 spots per year. "KDADS will ask the legislature for additional funding," Elian said, explaining that requests would be made to expand to 1,000 spots in year two and 1,500 in year three if enrollment and demand justify it. Any expansion would require legislative appropriations and a waiver amendment.
KDADS also listed the reserved-capacity allocations in year one, including 25 slots for current IDD waiver participants who wish to transition, 20 spots for children in foster care, small allocations for military families and people leaving specific waivers, a set of slots for children on the autism waiver (65 spots for years 1 and 2), 15 spots for people leaving institutions and 10 for short institutional stays. KDADS said these reserved slots are limited and will not be made available beyond year three for some categories.
Asked how KDADS will publicize the comment period, staff said they plan to use an existing email listserv, produce social posts for KDADS channels, place non-digital notices (including the Kansas Register and health departments), and collaborate with Community Developmental Disability Organizations (CDDOs) to spread the word locally. The communications plan, KDADS said, is still being finalized.
KDADS advised the public to provide specific, actionable comments that reference draft language and explain impacts on providers or participants rather than broad expressions of support or concern. The agency said an early feedback form is already available on the CSW website and that meeting slides and a recording will be posted after the town hall.
What happens next: KDADS will post the full draft waiver and conduct the public comment period in mid-January through mid-February 2026, begin CMS review in April 2026, and — barring changes in timing or funding — anticipate implementation in fall 2026. If the legislature provides additional funding, KDADS said it will submit a waiver amendment to increase enrollment caps.
