Disability Service Providers - GrandCare Systems

Kansas Expands Medicaid Waivers for Technology-Enabled Support on October 1

September 4, 2026

Kansas has expanded their Community Supports Waiver and creates a significant opportunity for technology-enabled support for Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Starting October 1, 2026, Kansas will launch its updated Community Supports Waiver (CSW), creating a new Medicaid pathway for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who need support to live more independently. For providers, one of the most important changes is the inclusion of Remote Support Services and Assistive Technology as covered waiver services.

This represents an important shift in how Kansas can support people in their homes and communities. Rather than relying exclusively on staff physically present in the home, providers can use technology and remote staff to deliver support when and where it is needed.

What changes on October 1?

The Community Supports Waiver takes effect October 1, 2026, following approval by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in July. The waiver covers Kansans age 5 and older in the I/DD community who meet institutional level-of-care requirements but do not need continuous, 24-hour support.

The new waiver includes:

Remote Support Services
Assistive Technology
Home Telehealth
Personal Emergency Response Systems
Medication Reminder Services
Life Skills
Personal Care Services
Respite
Individual Employment Supports
Home and Environmental Modifications
Specialized Medical Equipment and Supplies
Other services designed to promote independence and community living.

The waiver has an annual spending limit of $20,000 per participant. That limit applies across the participant’s CSW services, making thoughtful service planning and the effective use of technology particularly important for providers.

Remote Support is now a defined Medicaid service

One of the most significant changes is that Remote Support Services are explicitly included in the new waiver. This means that the cost for technology for remote supports, like the GrandCare Systems platform, can be paid for via Medicaid.

The concept is simple: remote supports technology can help staff and family move from being continuously present to being available when the individual actually needs support.

The GrandCare System can be used in homes Kansas describes the CSW as a program intended to make it easier for people to live independently at home and in their communities. Remote support can help make that possible by connecting individuals with support staff without requiring a staff member to be physically present at all times. This can also include sensors, communication devices and other tools that allow providers to understand when assistance is needed and respond remotely.

That can be particularly valuable for people who can safely spend portions of their day independently but still need access to support for specific situations, routines or unexpected needs.

Why this matters to I/DD providers

The change comes at a time when providers across the country are facing a difficult combination of workforce shortages, increasing costs and growing demand for services.

The Kansas CSW is specifically intended to provide “right-sized” supports for people who do not need 24-hour paid assistance. The state says the waiver is designed to increase independence, strengthen natural supports, promote competitive integrated employment and provide greater choice and control over services.

Remote support technology fits naturally into that model.

Instead of asking: “How many hours of staff do we need?”

Providers can begin asking: “How can we serve more individuals without increasing staffing and while keeping high-quality services?”

At GrandCare, we have partnered with I/DD providers to help enable them to provide a hybrid model of in-person and remote supports care. In most cases, For some individuals, the answer may still be in-person staffing. For others, it may be a hybrid of in-person and remote supports.

That distinction is important. Remote Supports is not intended to eliminate human support. Instead it can allow providers to deploy the right amount of human in-person support, more strategically.

The reimbursement opportunity is bigger than the technology

It is important to understand that Kansas is not simply adding a technology reimbursement line. The CSW establishes Remote Support Services as a covered service, while Assistive Technology is separately identified as a covered service. The state also lists both services among the benefits available under the waiver and means that providers should think about the opportunity as a new service-delivery model, not simply a way to purchase technology.

Technology can become part of a broader support strategy that may include:

Remote staff responding to alerts or requests
Two-way communications
Sensors that identify potential changes or concerns
Medication reminders
Video communications
Environmental awareness
Prompts and reminders
Support with daily routines
Escalation to family, caregivers or in-person staff when appropriate

The goal is to match the level of support to the individual’s actual needs.

What does this mean for provider economics?

The $20,000 annual CSW cap per participant makes economics especially important. Since the waiver can be used in individuals homes or in a community setting, DSP agencies who utilize remote supports technology may be able to increase both the quality of care and the total number of clients they serve, without adding additional staff.

For every technology platform, the support model needs to demonstrate why the service is appropriate for the individual, how it supports the person’s goals and how it fits within the participant’s available budget.

For more information on how to determine if remote supports technology fits into the CSW, you can find the CSW Screener Tool Calculator for CDDO’s on the Kansas Department of Aging & Disability Services website.

Providers should prepare now

Although the waiver does not officially begin until October 1, Kansas is already preparing for implementation.

KDADS is conducting provider training, developing the new person-centered planning process and preparing providers for the CSW rollout. Remote Support Services have their own provider qualification category, and providers must meet Kansas requirements to participate.

In addition, Kansas has announced new provider specialties for the CSW beginning September 1, ahead of the October 1 policy effective date.

Providers considering remote support should be preparing now by:

Identifying individuals who may be appropriate for remote support.
Evaluating where technology could safely replace or reduce unnecessary in-person staff time.
Building remote support into person-centered service planning.
Understanding the distinction between Remote Support Services and Assistive Technology.
Developing clear escalation procedures for situations that require in-person intervention.
Training staff to deliver support remotely, rather than simply monitoring technology.
Tracking outcomes that demonstrate increased independence, safety, engagement and efficient use of staff resources.

What about Kansas’ aging population?

There is an important distinction for organizations serving older adults.

The October 1 change is specifically tied to the new Community Supports Waiver for people with I/DD. It is not a new October 1 remote-support reimbursement benefit for the Frail and Elderly waiver.

KDADS currently lists a draft Frail Elderly waiver amendment with a proposed effective date of January 1, 2027, separate from the October 1 CSW implementation.

A larger shift toward technology-enabled independence

The most important part of Kansas’ October 1 change may not be the creation of a new reimbursement category. It is the state’s recognition that people do not necessarily need a person physically beside them in order to receive meaningful support.

The Community Supports Waiver is built around a different approach: providing the right level of support for each person, helping people remain in their homes and communities, and giving individuals greater choice over how their services are delivered.

Remote support technology can make that approach possible at scale.

For I/DD providers, October 1 represents an opportunity to rethink traditional staffing models and begin building a more flexible combination of technology, remote staff, in-person staff and natural supports.

The result can be more than a different way to deliver services. It can give people more opportunities to live independently, develop skills and spend more of their day on their own terms.

Kansas is putting remote support into the Medicaid toolbox and creating an opportunity for providers to customize and expand their support offerings and bring the right support at the right time to more individuals in the I/DD community. At GrandCare, we are hopeful that more individuals can access the support that is right for them.

Choosing a remote supports technology? Here are the top questions disability service providers need to ask.

Choosing a Remote Supports Technology: Top Questions Disability and Aging Service Providers Should Ask

November 24, 2025

As the landscape of aging and disability support evolves, technology has become an indispensable partner in helping individuals live safely, independently, and happily in the least restrictive environment possible. But with so many remote supports options on the market—especially new ventures sensing the market opportunity —it’s crucial for providers to pause and ask the right questions before selecting their technology partner(s).

Keep People at the Center of Care

In this industry, technology is only as good as its ability to enhance human connection and dignity. Every decision should be guided by one principle: keeping people at the center of care. Remote support technology should empower, not monitor; connect, not isolate.

Privacy and Security: Non-Negotiables

When choosing a platform, data privacy and security must come first. Medical readings, activity data, and personal communications are deeply sensitive. Technology giants like Nest, Amazon, or Google thrive on data ecosystems that fuel advertising and analytics. Providers should seek partners who treat data as sacred, not as a commodity. That’s where GrandCare stands apart—protecting both the dignity and the privacy of the individuals served.

Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Remote Supports Technology

1. How long have you been doing this?

Experience matters. With over 20 years of proven success, GrandCare has been trusted in homes, senior living communities, and disability support organizations nationwide. We have been doing it this long because we believe in people over profit. Longevity means stability, knowledge, and a track record of integrity.

2. What would your clients say about your customer service?

Ask for references. Listen to stories. The right technology partner is one that’s there when you need them—with real people who care. GrandCare’s entire team is known for its integrity, honesty, and passion for helping their clients succeed.

3. Is my data kept private—and do third parties have access?

Cameras, sensors and home assistants from large tech conglomerates may not be ensuring that all data is fully private and secure. GrandCare adheres to all HIPAA regulations with a closed and encrypted ecosystem to ensure client data is stored privately, safely and securely.

4. What online training resources are available?

A platform is only effective if people are properly using it. Ask about training tools, onsite onboarding programs, and ongoing support. GrandCare provides comprehensive, on-demand training and a responsive support desk every day including on-call weekend hours.

5. How do I get client buy-in?

Make sure there are benefits for the individual being supported. Socialization, connection and access to secure online entertainment is a human right that shouldn’t depend on ability. GrandCare puts the person at the center with a customized touchscreen complete with their favorite videos, music, photos and white listed, secure video chat and messaging access to designated individuals.

6. Who profits if your company does well (how are you funded)?

It’s important to understand whether the company’s primary goal is profit—or people. VC-backed organizations answer to venture share holders. Privately held organizations like GrandCare answer to the client with a focus on ethical service and long term sustainability.

7. Do you have APIs for integration?

Integration ensures that data and communication flow seamlessly across systems with one interactive dashboard. GrandCare’s robust APIs allow for interoperability with other care systems, ensuring smooth operations for providers and better outcomes for clients.

Why GrandCare Is the Right Choice for Remote Supports

When choosing a technology partner, remember: you’re not just selecting a technology company—you’re choosing the people behind it. Ethically, fiscally, and practically—GrandCare stands apart. For more than two decades, GrandCare has been trusted in homes of thousands of older adults and individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Want to learn more? Contact us for a demo.

How will Medicaid cuts affect disability services?

August 19, 2025

Medicaid provides crucial healthcare and disability services to millions across the country, but this funding is in jeopardy after congress passed large medicaid cuts under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Funding cuts, stricter eligibility rules, and reduced home and community based services are forcing families to seek affordable alternatives. These changes disproportionately impact seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income households, making it even harder to access essential care without facing financial strain. Today we’ll explore how Medicaid cuts are affecting support systems and how cost-effective solutions, like GrandCare, can help bridge the gap.

Medicaid provides coverage to over 85 million Americans, including 10 million people with disabilities, who rely on it for home and community-based services (HCBS). According to the Berkeley School of Public Health, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will cut medicaid spending by over 15% across the country (Dow, 2025). These cuts will come in forms of stricter eligibility requirements, higher out-of-pocket costs, and longer wait times for waiver programs While the true effects of these cuts are still uncertain, many who rely on medicaid for disability services have ample cause for concern.

“Medicaid is more than low-income health insurance. It is frequently the only option for Utahns who need intensive mental health care or long-term services and supports not usually available in the private market.” (Disability Law Center, 2025)

Currently, adults with I/DD are lacking a large amount of independence in their living situations and daily lives. 72% of these adults are living at home with a caregiver (Braddock, 2013) This sinks time and money into hands-on caregivers when many adults could be using GrandCare touchscreen and remote supports technology to be self-supporting in their own homes with more independence and less oversight. These costly services could become increasingly unaffordable as the weight of the medicaid cuts are starting to be felt. An in house aide costs around $7,000 monthly on average, while an assisted living facility costs over $5,000 monthly (UltimateCare, 2025).

How Can GrandCare Bridge the Gap?

Technology is reshaping how we approach care by creating new opportunities for efficiency and independence. GrandCare Systems, the leader in the smart home industry, is making strides by automating daily support, producing innovative systems that reduce in-home staff, increasing independence for adults with I/DD, all while still maintaining quality care.

Firstly, GrandCare has been shown to greatly reduce the required support staff needed to provide adequate care. By being able to automate many of the menial tasks such as taking medications and todo lists, staffing costs can be greatly reduced. A study by Xavier University found that smart home technology, like GrandCare, cut caregiver related expenses by nearly half (Denault, 2021). By automating reminders, monitoring daily activities, and alerting caregivers only when necessary, the system reduces unnecessary in-person check-ins which lowers labor costs. This efficiency allows healthcare providers to give high-quality care with a limited budget. With fewer caregiver hours required, families and healthcare systems alike can allocate resources more effectively, making GrandCare a smart investment for sustainable, long-term care solutions.

Additionally, Grandcare can help reduce unnecessary healthcare spending by improving medication adherence. Medication adherence is defined as the extent to which a person’s behavior such as taking medications, following diets, or changing their lifestyle aligns with their doctor’s recommendations. A lack of medication adherence is a major source of waste in the healthcare industry. Studies show that over 25% of hospitalizations stem from patients not taking medications as prescribed, costing the healthcare system between $100 and $300 billion annually (Kim, 2018). By implementing solutions like the GrandCare System, which reminds users to take their medications and alerts caregivers if doses are missed, we can significantly reduce avoidable hospital visits and the costs associated with it. This proactive approach not only enhances patient outcomes but also helps preserve limited funding by cutting wasteful and unnecessary spending. Investing in GrandCare ensures that limited resources are used efficiently, benefiting both patients and the healthcare system as a whole.

For adults with I/DD, many struggle with very limited independence. Many adults with I/DD have the potential to live life more independently, they just need the right tools to succeed. Research confirms that the only skills required for independence are mastering safety awareness, self-care, and medication management (Dimitriadou, 2018). With GrandCare’s innovative support system, individuals with I/DD gain the tools to take control of their daily lives. The system provides reminders for medications, prompts for personal care tasks, and instant safety notifications, all while keeping caregivers connected only when needed. This balance of independence and support empowers users to build confidence, reduce reliance on others, and experience more independence. It allows for an increased sense of autonomy while still giving caregivers and family peace of mind.

One striking example of this involves an Ohio man who, in spite of being fairly independent, required an awake support staff in his home every night. This was because he has a sleep-related eating disorder which meant that he would sometimes get up in the middle of the night, sleepwalk into his kitchen and once there eat everything he could get his hands on. It was such a concern for his wellbeing that he required a staff member to be present for the entire overnight shift. The staff person’s only intervention was to approach the man and suggest that he go back to bed.

But now that he has GrandCare technology there is a motion sensor in his kitchen that alerts remote support staff if it sees activity there in the overnight hours. That remote support person can video call directly into the man’s kitchen and suggest that he should probably go back to bed. GrandCare views this as “just in time” support as opposed to “just in case” support. The man now has the dignity and privacy of being alone in his home every night while still getting exactly the right support at exactly the right time. Instead of eight hours of in-person support, he now has sixty seconds of remote support, which is all he really needs.

Another example concerns a man with I/DD who required two hours of in-person support every day to help him navigate his morning routine. But now that he has GrandCare he uses technology to remind himself to do all the tasks that add up to a successful morning. He no longer has in-person support for this.

Conclusion

While upcoming Medicaid cuts and funding uncertainties create concerns for care providers, agencies have an opportunity to take proactive steps today that safeguard both their clients’ wellbeing as well as their organization’s future. By implementing

GrandCare’s remote support solutions now, providers can future proof their services against budget constraints while delivering better and more independent care.

This innovative approach offers a dual advantage: significant cost savings for organizations through reduced staffing needs, while simultaneously promoting greater independence for clients. The path forward is clear, agencies that adopt these technologies today will be better positioned to:

Maintain quality care despite funding cuts
Reduce operational costs through automation
Empower clients with tools for greater self-sufficiency
Future-proof their organization against ongoing uncertainties

Now is the time to act. By investing in remote support solutions, agencies can turn the challenge of Medicaid cuts into an opportunity to deliver more sustainable, empowering care. The result? Happier, more independent clients and more financially stable organizations; regardless of what happens with Medicaid funding. The future of care isn’t about doing less, it’s about working smarter. GrandCare can provide the tools to make that future possible.