Caretech expands developmental disability services across Nebraska and Kansas

By AI, Created 11:22 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Caretech is widening its Developmental Disabilities Waiver services across most Nebraska and Kansas markets, excluding Omaha and Lincoln, to reach rural and underserved communities. The expansion adds new leadership roles and aims to improve access, consistency, and independence-focused support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Why it matters: - Caretech is extending Medicaid-funded, community-based DD Waiver services into rural and underserved areas where provider shortages, transportation barriers, and geographic isolation limit access. - The expansion is meant to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live more independently and stay connected to their communities. - The move also gives families more continuity as Caretech combines DD services with traditional home care.

What happened: - Caretech said May 5, 2026, that it is expanding DD Waiver services across most Nebraska and Kansas markets, excluding Omaha and Lincoln. - The company is adding two leadership roles to support the rollout: DD Care Coordinator and Regional Governance and Operations Lead. - Rachel Mitchell is serving as DD Care Coordinator. - Renee Self is serving as Regional Governance and Operations Lead.

The details: - Caretech’s DD Waiver program includes in-home support, community integration, life skills development, employment and vocational support, behavioral services and respite care. - Caretech said services are tailored to each person’s goals and needs. - Mitchell said the goal is to bring services directly to individuals and help them build skills for more independent living. - Mitchell said the company works with each person to understand goals, challenges and what independence looks like for them. - Caretech said it creates customized care plans with families and caregivers, and those plans evolve as needs change. - Self has nearly two decades of experience in DD Waiver programs and operational leadership. - Self’s role focuses on governance, compliance, training and operational infrastructure. - Caretech said the role is intended to support consistent care standards across every community it serves. - The company said its model combines traditional home care with DD Waiver support so care can continue as individuals’ needs change. - Caretech said the approach helps people build confidence, develop life skills and remain engaged in their communities. - The company said the services also can improve communication, strengthen relationships and give families peace of mind.

Between the lines: - The expansion appears tied in part to proposed changes to the Aged and Disabled Waiver, which Caretech cited as a reason to diversify its service lines. - Caretech is signaling that growth will depend on operational discipline, not just adding more markets. - The company’s emphasis on person-centered care positions the expansion as both a service rollout and a brand differentiator.

What’s next: - Caretech plans to expand DD services across Nebraska over the next several years. - The company also plans to increase caregiver presence in underserved regions. - Caretech said it will explore additional community-based programming to support independence and social connection. - Self said the company is building a model of care that is personal, consistent and designed to grow with the communities it serves.

The bottom line: - Caretech is using a broader service mix and new leadership structure to push DD support deeper into rural Nebraska and neighboring markets.