The Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS) informs waiver recipients, providers, advocates, family members, and stakeholders that SDS has submitted four 1915(c) home and community-based waiver renewal applications to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) for the following waivers:

• People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities waiver (IDD);
• Alaskans Living Independently waiver (ALI);
• Adults with Physical and Developmental Disabilities waiver (APDD); and the
• Children with Complex Medical Conditions waiver (CCMC).

SDS expects that CMS will review the four renewal waiver applications within the next 90 days and respond prior to the waivers’ proposed effective date of July 1, 2026.

As part of the waiver renewal process, SDS offered members of the public the opportunity to provide public comment between December 19, 2025, and January 30, 2026.  

SDS Responses to HCBS Waiver Public Comment

Questions? doh.sds.info@alaska.gov

Alaska Medicaid Waiver Personal Needs Allowance Update 

Among the public comments submitted during the waiver renewal process were multiple recommendations to increase the Personal Needs Allowance (PNA). The PNA is the portion of income that individuals receiving Medicaid long-term services and supports are allowed to retain each month for basic personal expenses. For individuals living at home, this amount is intended to cover general living costs, including housing, food, and other necessities. All remaining income is typically applied toward the cost of care.

In its formal response to public comment above, SDS acknowledged the issue, stating:

“SDS appreciates the comments related to increasing the Personal Needs Allowance and agrees that changes are necessary. However, the Personal Needs Allowance noted in Appendix B of the waiver application is ultimately set in Alaska regulation and therefore any changes require regulatory action and approval. SDS will not be changing the Personal Needs Allowance as part of this waiver renewal application. However, as a result of the comments received, SDS has begun work with partner agencies to evaluate potential changes… with the intention of pursuing regulatory and waiver updates… in Fall 2026.”

The current PNA amounts of $1,656/month for individuals receiving services at home and $1,396/month for those in assisted living will remain unchanged under the submitted waiver.

While the waiver application has been submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), these amounts are set in state regulation and can be updated outside of the waiver process. SDS indicated potential future action, but no immediate changes were included in this renewal.

Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority: Grant Funding and Advocacy Opportunities 

The Trust encourages partners and community members to join its free Trust Advocacy Network, a collaborative effort that strengthens advocacy on issues affecting Trust beneficiaries. Learn more or sign up at: https://alaskamentalhealthtrust.org/alaska-mental-health-trust-authority/advocacy/joint-advocacy/

The Trust is currently accepting grant proposals to support organizations serving Alaskans experiencing mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, and traumatic brain injuries. If your organization is working to strengthen Alaska’s system of care, the next deadline to submit a grant application is May 15th at 5pm. Visit their website to explore eligibility, timelines, and application materials: https://alaskamentalhealthtrust.org/about/grants/

The Trust also publishes a biweekly Grant Proposal Development Opportunity Report with Denali Daniels and Associates, highlighting current funding opportunities for organizations serving Trust beneficiaries. The most recent report, released March 27, 2026, is available here: https://alaskamentalhealthtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/March-27-2026-Trust-Grant-Proposal-Development-Opportunity-Report.pdf

General information about this grant list resource can be found at: https://alaskamentalhealthtrust.org/alaska-mental-health-trust-authority/resources/grant-proposal-development-resources/