The Support Waiver for Children and Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities in Illinois is a Medicaid waiver program designed to assist children and young adults aged 3 through 21 who live at home with their families. Its primary goal is to prevent or delay the need for out-of-home residential services for those who would otherwise require an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) level of care. The waiver focuses on offering a range of services to meet the unique needs of each participant, emphasizing a person-centered approach to care planning and coordination.
Eligibility for the Support Waiver is determined based on several criteria, including age, residency, and the need for an ICF/IID level of care. The waiver specifically caters to children and young adults aged 3-21. Candidates must be living at home with their families and not be wards of the state. Additionally, the program requires that the need for services be established by Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agencies through a comprehensive assessment process, ensuring that the supports provided align with the individual needs and preferences of the participants.
The waiver offers a variety of services and supports, focusing on maintaining the participant in a home setting and preventing institutionalization.
The service delivery is flexible, allowing for customer and family direction, with the assistance of ISC agencies in developing and implementing Person-Centered Plans (PCPs).
The waiver includes a participant-direction option, allowing recipients to choose their own caregivers for certain services. This empowers participants and their families to have greater control over their care. Caregivers can access compensation through a Financial Management Service (FMS) entity, which handles payroll and other administrative functions. The process involves documentation and reporting procedures to ensure compliance and proper management of the support services.
While the waiver provides critical support, it faces limitations, such as the potential difficulty in accessing sufficient funding and resources to meet the diverse and growing needs of eligible children and young adults. Navigating the application and care coordination process can also be challenging for families, especially in understanding eligibility criteria and service options.
To explore the possibility of receiving crucial support for children and young adults with developmental disabilities, we encourage families to fill out this form to determine eligibility for compensation under the Support Waiver. This step could be a significant move towards securing the necessary care and services for your loved ones.
