The Supports for Community Living (SCL) waiver is a crucial component of Kentucky's 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waiver program. This waiver aims to assist individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, empowering them to live within their communities with greater independence. By offering services tailored to each participant's needs and preferences, the SCL waiver significantly enhances the quality of life for those it serves.
The SCL waiver seeks to address each participant's unique needs and preferences through a wide range of services, promoting their overall well-being and enhancing their quality of life. These services encompass diverse offerings, including environmental accessibility adaptation, personal assistance, vehicle adaptation, positive behavior supports, and residential support services.
The target population for the SCL waiver includes individuals diagnosed with intellectual or developmental disabilities and who meet the specific requirements to live in an intermediate care facility for individuals with an intellectual disability (ICF/IID). Moreover, participants must also meet the financial qualifications for Medicaid, as there are special financial requirements for the SCL waiver program.
The overarching goals and objectives of the SCL waiver program are to provide the necessary support and resources for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives within their communities. By offering personalized services tailored to the unique needs of each participant, the program strives to empower individuals to achieve greater independence, social inclusion, and improved overall health and well-being. Additionally, the SCL waiver aims to alleviate the financial burden often associated with long-term institutional care by providing community-based alternatives that promote self-determination and choice for participants.
To be eligible for the Supports for Community Living (SCL) waiver program, individuals must meet specific criteria established by Kentucky's Medicaid guidelines. The target population includes individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities who need the level of care given by an intermediate care facility for people with an intellectual disability (ICF/IID).
The eligibility process involves meeting both the disability and financial qualifications. Applicants must have a diagnosed intellectual or developmental disability determined through appropriate assessments and medical documentation. Additionally, they must satisfy the financial requirements for Medicaid, as specific financial qualifications are applied to the SCL waiver program.
To initiate the application process, individuals must first obtain financial eligibility for Medicaid. This can be done by applying online through kynect, calling the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS), or visiting a DCBS office in-person. After obtaining Medicaid eligibility, individuals can apply for the SCL waiver services through a Community Mental Health Center or an Aging and Disability Resource Center.
Due to the program's popularity and limited capacity, there may be a waiting list for SCL services. The order of application and category of need determine placement on the waiting list. Once a slot becomes available, Medicaid will assess whether the applicant requires the level of care provided by an ICF/IID and is financially eligible for Medicaid coverage.
The Supports for Community Living (SCL) waiver offers services designed to enable participants to live independently within their communities while receiving the necessary assistance to enhance their quality of life.
The array of services provided by the SCL waiver includes, but is not limited to:
These services focus on person-centered planning, where the individual's preferences, choices, and goals are at the forefront of the support provided. The SCL waiver aims to empower participants to actively participate in their communities actively, fostering social inclusion, autonomy, and a higher quality of life. Additionally, the option for participant-directed services (PDS) grants individuals greater control over their care by allowing them to hire their non-medical service providers, such as family members, friends, or trusted neighbors.
Under the Supports for Community Living (SCL) waiver, compensation for unpaid family caregivers is available through the participant-directed services (PDS) option. This unique feature allows eligible participants to hire certain family members, friends, or neighbors as non-medical, non-residential service providers. By doing so, these caregivers can receive payment for the caregiving services they provide to the participant.
The participant-directed option aims to recognize the vital role that family caregivers play in supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It gives participants more control over their care, fostering a sense of independence and choice in selecting their caregivers. This compensation provides much-needed financial relief to family caregivers, who are often an essential but underpaid workforce in the caregiving system.
If you or a loved one could benefit from the SCL waiver and participant-directed services, fill out this form today to determine eligibility and explore the possibilities of receiving well-deserved compensation for the care you provide.
