Waivers matter to families with developmental disabilities.
Before my nephew qualified for several of these waivers, his parents were paying for all resources out of pocket because insurance wouldn’t cover the full cost of needs.
With research and effort my sister found these resources that changed my nephew’s life.
Below I’ve added the titles and descriptions from the GCDD website. Helpful links are included.
The NOW Waiver stands for New Options Waiver. It provides supports to people who do not need 24-hour care. It was designed for people with disabilities who live with family members or in their own home. There is a limit of $25,000 a year for services under the NOW Waiver. This waiver is for people who need less intensive services and supports. It is administered through the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
The COMP Waiver stands for Comprehensive Supports Waiver. It was designed for people who need a full range of out-of-home services or intensive in-home services. The COMP Waiver is also used for people who are transitioning out of institutions into community living. It is administered through the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Click here to learn more about the COMP Waiver. (ICWP) is for people who have physical disabilities or traumatic brain injuries. A person must be between the ages of 21-64 to qualify for the ICWP. It is administered through the Department of Community Health. Their web site is: http://dch.georgia.gov
The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) waiver is for children who are medically fragile. It provides specialized day care and transportation to get there. It is administered through the Department of Community Health. Visit their web site at: http://dch.georgia.gov or Contact Sherri Collins at (404) 657-0623 for more information
The Community Care Services Program waiver (CCSP) is a program that serves people who are elderly or people with disabilities. It is administered by the Area Agency on Aging. It provides some in-home services, respite care or supports like meals on wheels. The Area Agency on Aging provides services by region. Please contact your local Regional office. You can find them under our Real Support Resources.
SOURCE, short for Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment, is a state plan that serves frail elderly and disabled beneficiaries to improve the health outcomes of persons with chronic health conditions, by linking primary medical care with home and community-based services. It is a primary care case management program administered by the Department of Community Health. You can visit DCH’s web site to learn more, http://dch.georgia.gov
The Katie Beckett or Deeming Waiver is an eligibility category for Medicaid, not a home or community-based waiver. It is for children under 18 whose parents income exceeds the limits required for them to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The Deeming Waiver takes the parents’ income out of the picture and bases the decision on the child’s needs. If the child qualifies for the Katie Beckett Waiver, they become eligible for services that are available under the regular state Medicaid plan. A family must first receive a denial letter from Social Security and then they can apply for the Katie Beckett Waiver through their local DFCS Office. For more information on the Katie Beckett Waiver, please click here.
(www.GCDD.org, May 21, 2022)
( https://gcdd.org/faqs/developmental-disabilities-services-and-resources.html#Question1 , May 2022)
