05/31/2026
Let's talk about some of our state Medicaid Waiver programs. (For example: I/DD, A&D, CSED...) I'll touch on one every few days and you can follow up by seeking out more information. Or - I am also available to book for private resource sessions! Let me do the heavy lifting! 😃
Let's start with ... I/DD - Intellectual and Developmental Disability Waiver
This is a needs-based program designed for ages 3+ to help with the care, skill building, behavioral management, therapies, community access, etc. for individuals with a qualifying diagnosis, assessed medical and functional need, and qualifying financial statement.
Recipients of I/DD Waiver are awarded a Medicaid card (if they don't already have one) upon approval and even while on the waitlist for services to begin. That doesn't mean you lose your private insurance, either. Medicaid supplements it! You must reapply for Medicaid and I/DD on a yearly basis, but the renewal process is much simpler than the initial.
I/DD provides in-home direct care from family, friends, or agency-hired staff. They are trained to care for everyone they serve. They also provide staff for outside the home. This can be with those same previously mentioned family or friends, but can also be day habilitation program staff or job coaches or Respite workers. Each person serving as a staff member has a specific role to help support those they serve.
Along with trained staff, professionals are also available to provide support and care. Case Managers navigate the program with individuals and their teams to make sure needs are met and compliance is satisfied. Behavior Support Professionals write skill building goals, behavior plan, and safety protocols that help manage progress and positive outcomes. Nursing staff is utilized, both hands-on or hands-off, to ensure medical safety, medication administration, and overall health - depending on client age and need. All of these professionals can assist in training the direct care staff members and family mentioned above on a variety of things.
Outside professional services are also provided - Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Dietary Therapy, Physical Therapy. These professionals contract with I/DD agencies to be reimbursed for therapy costs and provide more sessions per year for participants who already access therapies via insurance or school. They may even already be contracted with your current provider!
24-hour living settings are available, as well. Individuals over age 18 can access the support to live in their own home, rent a home, or live in another's home - and receive around the clock staffing. Most individuals have at least 1 roommate, which typically provides a close friend as well as a financial partnership, but some live alone or have more roommates.
Don't forget job services, community day habilitation programs, volunteering, pre-vocational training, home or vehicle adaptation funds, mileage reimbursement, and Goods&Services funds. There is so much to access.
The best thing about I/DD is that individuals and their teams have their choice of services, providers, and can change any of them at any time, so no one is stuck in a situation they don't enjoy or find productive and peaceful.
(There are also a small set of services to access while on the waitlist!)
That is a VERY BRIEF rundown of the program as it currently stands. Do some research for more information on local providers, the application process, qualifications, DoHS contacts, etc.
And, again -
I am also available to book for private resource sessions!😃
