Our Commitment to Home and Community Based Services
To: Interested Parties
Date: July 2, 2026
Subject: Investing in Home and Community Based Services
At the heart of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is a steadfast commitment to supporting individuals in living meaningful, self-directed lives within their homes and in every community. A critical aspect of that mission is supporting our ongoing and shared work to build, strengthen, and expand Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) in Delaware.
Our commitment to HCBS is grounded in the belief that people thrive when they are empowered to live, work, learn, and build relationships in their communities. We are dedicated to providing person-centered services, founded in the practice of inclusion, that support autonomy while ensuring health, safety, and well-being. Stakeholders across the state are critical partners in that work, whether providing services or advocating for themselves and their loved ones.
We are grateful to Governor Matt Meyer and the Delaware General Assembly for supporting HCBS with major investments in the FY 2027 Operating Budget. From rate increases for those who support people with disabilities and those with mental health diagnoses, to supporting the increasing number of Delawareans receiving Medicaid HCBS and the growing intensity of services they require, to growth in developmental disabilities and aging services, Delaware continues to prioritize HCBS.
We know that a robust HCBS system is an essential component of a sustainable, equitable, and accessible health care system. A strong HCBS system depends on more than any one service. It requires a dedicated direct-care workforce, strong provider networks, accessible housing, transportation, care coordination, and services that can respond as a person’s needs change. DHSS remains focused on working across disability, aging, behavioral health, health care, housing, and community systems to strengthen those foundations. As we continue our work to enhance HCBS availability, we are grateful for partnership and advocacy across the state. Together, we can ensure that every individual has the opportunity to live with dignity, purpose, and belonging in their community.
Sincerely,
Christen Linke Young
Cabinet Secretary
