HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED WAIVERS
Medicaid home and community–based waiver programs offer greater opportunity for individuals to live, work and recreate in the community setting of their choice . To apply for a Waiver opportunity, the applicant must apply through the entry process and have been determined eligible to receive intellectual and developmental disability supports in Louisiana. Supports provided must represent the least-restrictive treatment alternative. Each home and community-based waiver has specific supports and eligibility requirements. Waiver opportunities are dependent upon the Screening for Urgency of Need (SUN) through the Request for Services Registry.
Children’s Choice Waiver
The Children’s Choice Waiver offers supplemental support to children 0 through 20 years of age who currently live at home with their families. The services are designed for maximum flexibility and includes Support Coordination and options of Respite/Family Support, Family Training, Specialized Medical Equipment, Environmental Accessibility Adaptations and therapy services. Individuals who reach the age of 18 and want to work may choose to transition to a Supports Waiver as long as they remain eligible for waiver services. Waiver participants are eligible for all medically necessary Medicaid services, including Early Periodic Screening, Diagnostics and Treatment (EPSDT) screenings and extended services. Children will “age out” when they reach their 21st birthday and will transition into the most appropriate waiver for adults as long as they remain eligible for intellectual and developmental disability supports.
New Opportunities Waiver (NOW)
The New Opportunities Waiver (NOW) is a Medicaid home- and community-based program for eligible people age 21 and older with developmental disabilities. It provides individualized services – such as personal and family support, respite care, employment assistance, specialized equipment, nursing, and transportation – to help participants live more independently at home and in their communities. Eligibility and priority are based on Medicaid requirements, level of care, and assessed need.
Residential Options Waiver (ROW)
The ROW provides individualized supports and services in the home and community for eligible individuals of all ages. The goal is to promote independence, dignity, safety, and quality of life while providing an alternative to institutional care. Services available through the ROW may include Community Living Supports, Host Home Services, Companion Care, Shared Living, Respite, Supported Employment, Day Habilitation, Nursing, Transportation, Personal Emergency Response Systems, Environmental Accessibility Adaptations, specialized medical equipment and supplies, housing supports, and other professional services. The specific services a person receives are based on their individual needs and approved plan of care.
Supports Waiver
This waiver offers a way to provide options and meaningful opportunities through vocational training and inclusion to individuals who are age 18 or older who would otherwise require the level of care found in an ICF/ID. These options include Support Coordination, Day Habilitation, Prevocational services, Supported Employment, Respite, Permanent Supportive Housing Transition and Stabilization, and Personal Emergency Response Systems.