KS Technology Assisted Waiver

The Technology Assisted Waiver is a Medicaid program in Kansas that provides financial assistance and support services for people who require technology-dependent care. Here, we explore the Technology Assisted Waiver, who is eligible for it, what services and supports it offers, and how it can compensate family caregivers.

Overview of Technology Assisted Waiver

The Technology Assisted Waiver (TA) is a Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver program that serves individuals of all ages dependent on a medical device to accommodate the loss of a vital body function and requiring substantial and ongoing skilled nursing care. The TA waiver is designed to help people who would otherwise need institutional care to stay in their homes and communities with support of their families and caregivers.

The TA waiver is administered by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services and funded by both the federal and state governments. The TA waiver has limited slots available, and there may be a waiting list to receive services. As of July 2021, 1,050 slots were allocated for the TA waiver, and 1,030 people enrolled in the program.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the TA waiver, an individual must meet the following criteria:

• Be a Kansas resident
• Be eligible for Medicaid
• Have a monthly income below $2,382 (as of 2021)
• Have countable assets below $2,000 (as of 2021)
• Require a level of care equivalent to that provided in a hospital or nursing facility
• Be dependent on a medical device such as a ventilator, tracheostomy, feeding tube, or intravenous infusion
• Require at least one skilled nursing service per day
• Have a physician's order for the medical device and skilled nursing service
• Have an individualized plan of care that specifies the type and frequency of services needed
• Agree to participate in the self-direction option (see below)

Services and Supports

The TA waiver provides various services and supports to help individuals live safely and comfortably at home. Some of the services and supports available under the TA waiver are:

• Assistive technology
• Environmental accessibility adaptations
• Home delivered meals
• Home health aide
• Medical alert rental
• Nursing evaluation visit
• Personal care services
• Personal emergency response system
• Respite care
• Sleep cycle support
• Specialized medical care
• Specialized medical equipment and supplies
• Supportive home care

Compensation for Caregivers

One of the most attractive features of the TA waiver is that it allows individuals to self-direct their services, meaning that they can choose who provides their care, how their care is delivered, and how their budget is spent. This also means that individuals can hire their family members or friends as paid caregivers if they meet the qualifications and training requirements set by KDADS.

Family caregivers' compensation depends on several factors, such as the type and amount of services provided, the rate of pay negotiated with the individual, and the availability of funds in the individual's budget. According to KDADS, the average hourly rate for personal care services under the TA waiver was $11.25 in 2020. However, this rate may vary depending on the market conditions and the individual's preferences.

A Note from Givers

If you are interested in finding out if you or your loved one are eligible for this program, or if you want to learn more about how much Medicaid pay for a caregiver, please fill out this form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We are here to help you get the compensation and support you deserve as a family caregiver.