July 24, 2025

HCBS Workforce Incentive Funds Expected Soon

On July 24, 2025 by Jeff Bostic

The slow developing HCBS workforce incentive grant program, which was created and funded by the 2023 Legislature, has still not reached the point of sending money to employers despite plans to have done so a while ago.

Eligibility

Under the program, HCBS workers, including those in assisted living, are eligible for bonuses of up to $1,000. Employers had to apply for funding, and after those applications are reviewed by DHS and a contractor they have hired, the funds will be sent to employers to give to employees. The amount per employee is expected to be less than $1,000 due to the number of employers who applied.

The DHS contractor has been reaching out to providers to confirm employee lists as part of a final phase of the process. DHS anticipates that payments to providers will be made in August, with providers then having 45 days to provide the bonuses to employees who have been deemed eligible.