Hi MaryLee,
We have one children's waiver that is capped, but children are also eligible for our two comprehensive waivers. LA uses an assessment tool but not for eligibility for the waiver; it is used for resource allocation once you get a waiver slot. One only needs to meet the DD definition in order to qualify for waiver services.
The tool used for resource allocation is the SIS, but they developed a supplementary tool called the LA-Plus, that kicks in for people with challenging medical and/or behavioral health needs. They don't use the SIS on children. The future plan is to adapt an assessment tool to use for resource allocation on children.
Sandee
Executive Director
La. Developmental Disabilities Council
(225) 342-6804
(800) 450-8108 Toll free in LA
(225) 405-1433 Cell
xxxxxx@la.gov
www.laddc.org
Sent: Thursday, September 03, 2015 10:41 AM
To: xxxxxx@nacdd.simplelists.com
Subject: DD Councils Medicaid Waivers for Children
How does your state assess children for waiver programs?
· Can you share information about any age-appropriate assessment tools?
· Does anyone know how many states have child-specific waivers?
Here’s the situation we are trying to address:
- KY has several waivers that available to children and adults
- None has a child-specific assessment tool, which has resulted in unfair application of the standard tool
o Some who apply the tool deny all children, because ‘no child can do those things independently’
o Some who apply the tool approve all children, because that specific child cannot do those things independently
- The Waiver most commonly used to support people with DD living in the community now has a tremendous waiting list. Approximately 70% of those on the waiting list are children. None of these have been assessed to determine whether they are actually eligible.
- Advocates have long suggested that having a more age-appropriate tool for children could help. In response, the state has been ‘looking into other options’ for YEARS.
Thanks in advance for your input.
Best wishes,
MaryLee
MaryLee Underwood, JD, BSW
Executive Director
Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities
32 Fountain Place, Frankfort, KY 40601
Email: xxxxxx@ky.gov
Phone: 502-564-7841 or 1-877-367-5332; Fax: 502-564-9826
CCDD’s mission is to create systemic change in KY that empowers individuals to achieve full citizenship and inclusion in the community through education, capacity building and advocacy.
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