Special Medicaid Waivers for Home-Based Health Care
Part 4, Chapter 13: Specialized Situations: Programs for Children and Adults with Disabilities and Special Health Care Needs Page 3
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The problem was eventually solved through the creation of a special Medicaid waiver. Under the terms of the waiver, Medicaid can provide for home-based care in situations in which a child is covered by Medicaid while in a hospital or an institution, is medically able to return home, but can do so only if the family has the economic help and support it needs to purchase the necessary medical equipment and to provide care.
Since that time, the Katie Beckett waiver has helped a number of children in such situations, children who would otherwise have been forced to stay in hospitals or institutions on a permanent basis. Katie Beckett waivers have now been developed in most states, although the particular regulations and the populations they serve may differ significantly from state to state.
The traumatic brain injury waiver permits a state to spend Medicaid funds for community-based transition programs -- including rehabilitation programs and case management -- for individuals who have experienced severe brain injuries. Community-based transition programs for people with brain injuries may be far less expensive than inpatient care, and may allow individuals to benefit from the help and support of friends and family members. At this point, services under traumatic brain injury waivers are available in a number of states. However, the programs may differ significantly from state to state. Since the traumatic brain injury waiver has already been established, any state can apply for a similar waiver whenever it wishes.
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