Developmental Disabilities Waiver
The Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver provides funding for home and community-based services for children and adults with a diagnosis of a developmental disability or a related condition who require the level of care provided in an intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities (ICF/DD). These services are an alternative to institutionalization. The services help a person live as independently as possible in community settings and promote optimal health, independence, safety and community integration.
Assessed waiver service needs, as identified in the person's service plan, may be provided in a person's own home, in his/her biological or adoptive family's home, in a relative's home (e.g., sibling, aunt, grandparent, etc.), in a family foster care home or corporate residential home.
Who is eligible for DD Waiver services?
Eligibility for DD Waiver services is determined through a screening process. To be eligible for DD Waiver services, a person must choose to live in the community and meet all the following criteria:
- Be determined to have a developmental disability or related condition.
- Be determined to require the level of care provided to people in an ICF/DD.
- Be eligible for Medical Assistance (MA) based on a disability or other eligibility status (refer to the MMIS codes for HCBS waiver/AC program eligibility section on CBSM – Waiver/AC programs overview).
- Be certified disabled by Social Security or the State Medical Review Team (SMRT) process.
- Make an informed choice requesting home and community-based services instead of ICF/DD services.
- Require daily interventions, daily service needs and a 24-hour plan of care that is specified in the support plan.
- Have an assessed need for habilitation, which must be included in the support plan.
- Have an assessed need for supports and services beyond those available through the MA state plan.
What else is important for participation in the DD Waiver?
Once eligibility is determined for participation in the DD Waiver, the lead agency must evaluate the following:
- Are the services necessary to ensure the person's health, welfare and safety?
- Have all options been assessed and does this option meet the desires, needs and preferences of the person?
- Is the cost of the service considered reasonable and customary?
- Is the service covered by any other funding source, for example Medical Assistance state plan services, private health care coverage, Medicare, education or Vocational Rehabilitation Service funding?
- Will the services address skill development and/or skill maintenance?
The number of people that may be served through the DD Waiver can vary depending on the federally approved plan and state legislative funding levels.
How can people apply for the DD Waiver?
You can apply for the DD Waiver by contacting the county agency or tribal nation where you live. For more information, view the Developmental Disabilities Waiver fact sheet (PDF).
