Developing Your Own Medicaid Waiver
Part 4, Chapter 13: Specialized Situations: Programs for Children and Adults with Disabilities and Special Health Care Needs Page 4
Continued from Previous Page
One of the newest Medicaid waivers involves programs that provide coverage for specific types of long-term care for senior citizens with disabilities or illnesses. Such waivers may eventually allow some senior citizens in those states that have been granted the waiver the opportunity to reside in assisted living facilities rather than in nursing homes. (See Chapter 14 for a further discussion of Medicaid waivers that relate to assisted living for senior citizens.)
Each of these waivers is important. However, the specific services provided by each waiver are available only to Medicaid recipients in those states in which the particular waiver has been adopted. If you or a family member are unable to obtain needed care because your state Medicaid program does not provide coverage for the necessary services -- unlike programs in other states -- it may be possible to work with the state Medicaid office to develop an appropriate waiver. The key to ensuring the development of a Medicaid waiver or trying to obtain changes in state Medicaid rules is generally to seek the help of local or national advocacy or support groups, disability rights organizations, and legislative representatives. Advocacy groups, support groups, and disability rights organizations often have the knowledge and the skills needed to work with the state and federal Medicaid program to develop an application for a new waiver. Legislative representatives have the authority to hold hearings to discuss proposed changes in state Medicaid regulations.
Continued on Next Page
