The Care At Home Waiver Program is designed to offer crucial medical assistance to families in New York State who are raising children with significant developmental disabilities or complex medical conditions at home. This program, overseen by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), aims to make home care a viable and supported option for these families, offering an alternative to institutional care.
Understanding the Eligibility for the Care At Home Waiver
To be eligible for the Care At Home Waiver program, children must meet specific criteria. These requirements ensure that the program effectively supports those with the most profound needs. The eligibility guidelines include:
- Age Requirement: The child must be under 18 years of age. This program is specifically for minors.
- Developmental Disability Diagnosis: The child must have a documented developmental disability. This is a core requirement for program entry.
- Complex Health Care Needs: Children must demonstrate significant and ongoing health care needs that are beyond the typical needs of children their age. This highlights the program’s focus on high-needs cases.
- ICF/DD Level of Care: The child’s required level of care must be equivalent to that provided in an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/DD), which is comparable to the care level in a certified nursing home. This signifies the intensity of care required.
- Avoidance of Hospitalization: The program is intended for children who can be cared for at home and do not require continuous inpatient hospital care.
- Medicaid Eligibility Exception (Parental Income): A crucial aspect of eligibility is related to Medicaid. The child must not be eligible for standard Medicaid when parental income and resources are considered. However, the child must be eligible for Medicaid when parental income and resources are not taken into account. This unique financial structure allows children from families who might otherwise be considered too financially stable for Medicaid to still qualify for this waiver program due to the extraordinary costs of caring for a child with severe disabilities at home.
Services Provided Through the Care At Home Waiver
The Care At Home Waiver program distinguishes itself by providing access to specific services that are not typically covered under standard Medicaid. These additional services are vital in enabling families to provide care at home. Key services include:
- Case Management: Professional case management services are provided to help families navigate the complexities of care, coordinate services, and advocate for their child’s needs.
- Respite Care: Respite services offer temporary relief for parents and caregivers, providing them with necessary breaks from the demanding responsibilities of caregiving.
- Home Adaptations: The program can fund necessary modifications to the home environment to make it more accessible and safe for the child, accommodating their specific needs.
- Vehicle Modification: Assistance with modifying vehicles may be available to ensure the child can be safely transported, addressing mobility challenges.
While the Medicaid funding through this waiver is specifically for the child’s care, it is intentionally designed to alleviate the broader financial burdens on the family, making comprehensive home care more sustainable and accessible.
Obtaining Further Information about the Care At Home Waiver Program
For families seeking more detailed information or wishing to apply for the Care At Home Waiver program, the first step is to connect with the Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO) nearest to them. Contact information for the local DDSO can be found:
- Phone Book: In the blue pages section of your local phone book, under “New York State Government,” then “Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.”
- OPWDD Website: Visit the official OPWDD website at www.opwdd.ny.gov. Navigate to the “Services” section, then locate and click on the “Map and Resource Directory” link at the bottom of the page. Finally, click on the “Developmental Disabilities Services Offices (DDSO)” link to find contact details for your local office.
By reaching out to the DDSO, families can receive personalized guidance, application assistance, and comprehensive information about how the Care At Home Waiver program can support their unique circumstances and the needs of their child.
