GA NOW/COMP Medicaid Waivers

The Georgia New Option Waiver Program (NOW) and Comprehensive Support Waiver Program (COMP) support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) and their families. Spearheaded by the Department of Community Health (DCH) and administered by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), these waivers grant home and community-based care access, effectively transforming lives.

Overview of Georgia's NOW/COMP Medicaid Waivers

Georgia's NOW/COMP Medicaid Waivers are vital in providing home and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD). These waivers, overseen by the Department of Community Health (DCH) and administered by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), Division of Developmental Disabilities, aim to improve the lives of thousands of individuals with ID/DD across the state.

Purpose of the NOW Program: The NOW waiver program is designed to enable individuals to live in their own or family homes while actively participating in and contributing to their communities. Targeted at individuals with less intensive needs, the NOW program emphasizes independence, quality of life, and personalized service planning. It allows care recipients to choose and direct their services to meet their unique requirements better. Crucially, the NOW program seeks to ensure its participants' health, safety, and welfare.

Purpose of the COMP Program: In contrast, the COMP waiver program primarily focuses on providing comprehensive and intensive services for individuals with more significant needs. These individuals require residential care and supervision within the community or through out-of-home residential support. The COMP program aims to prevent institutional placement by offering the necessary level of services for individuals transitioning from institutions to community living. Like the NOW program, it emphasizes participant direction, independence, and well-being.

The NOW and COMP programs collectively serve more than 12,000 people with developmental disabilities in Georgia, transforming their lives and providing crucial support for their families and caregivers. By striving to prevent institutionalization and fostering community integration, these waivers showcase the state's commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals with ID/DD while advocating for a more compassionate and inclusive healthcare system.

Eligibility Requirements for Georgia's NOW/COMP Medicaid Waivers

Individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria to access the valuable home- and community-based services provided by Georgia's NOW and COMP waiver programs to ensure that those with intellectual disabilities (ID) or closely related conditions receive the appropriate level of care, support, and services while granting them the choice to live in their own or family homes within the community.

To qualify for the NOW/COMP waiver programs, individuals must meet the following requirements:

1. Categorical eligibility: Prospective participants must be categorically eligible Medicaid recipients, meeting the eligibility criteria for an institution's Medicaid payment.
2. Diagnosis of Intellectual Disability or closely related condition: Individuals must have a documented diagnosis of an intellectual disability or a closely related condition, such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, or neurological problems.
3. Level of care comparable to ICF-ID: The individual must currently receive the level of care typically provided in an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-ID). The services they require must also be reimbursable under the State Plan.
4. Appropriateness of Home and Community-Based Services: Home- and community-based services must be deemed an appropriate alternative to institutional care for the individual.

Meeting these eligibility requirements opens the door to the NOW/COMP waiver programs, allowing individuals with ID/DD to access personalized services and supports that empower them to live with greater independence, dignity, and quality of life within their communities.

Services and Supports

The Georgia NOW/COMP Medicaid Waivers offer comprehensive services and supports designed to cater to the diverse needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD). These home- and community-based services promote independence, enhance the quality of life, and empower participants to lead fulfilling lives within their communities.

The available services include:

1. Adult Dental Services: Dental care and treatments for eligible individuals.
2. Adult Nursing Service: Skilled nursing care provided to adults with specific medical needs.
3. Adult Occupational Therapy Services: Therapeutic interventions to improve daily living skills and independence.
4. Adult Physical Therapy Services: Rehabilitation services to enhance mobility and physical function.
5. Adult Speech and Language Therapy Services: Communication and language support for adults with speech-related challenges.
6. Additional Staffing Services: Supplemental staffing for participants with more intensive support requirements.
7. Behavioral Supports Services Level I & II: Behavioral interventions and supports for individuals with challenging behaviors.
8. Community Access Services: Support to access community resources, events, and activities.
9. Community Guide Services: Assistance from guides to navigate community services and programs.
10. Community Living Support Services: Help with daily tasks to promote community living (COMP only).
11. Environmental Accessibility Adaptation Services: Modifications to living spaces to enhance accessibility.
12. Financial Support Services: Assistance with financial management and budgeting.
13. Individual Directed Goods and Services: Empowerment for participants to choose and direct their services.
14. Interpreter Services: Language interpretation for individuals with communication barriers.
15. Natural Support Training Services: Training for natural support networks to assist participants effectively.
16. Nutrition Services: Dietary support and nutritional guidance.
17. Pre-vocational Services: Training and support for vocational skill development.
18. Respite Services: Temporary relief for caregivers, allowing them to rest and recharge.
19. Respite Out-of-Home 15-minute Services: Short-term respite services are provided outside the home.
20. Specialized Medical Equipment Services: Equipment necessary for medical needs.
21. Specialized Medical Supplies Services: Medical supplies required for specific conditions.
22. Support Coordination Services: Assistance in planning and coordinating services.
23. Intensive Support Coordination Services: Enhanced support coordination for individuals with intensive needs.
24. Supported Employment Services: Support to find and maintain employment.
25. Transportation Services: Assistance with transportation needs.
26. Vehicle Adaptation Services: Vehicle modifications to accommodate participants' mobility needs.

The availability of specific services can depend on the individual's assessed needs and the waiver under which they receive services. For example, some services might be more readily available or specifically tailored under one waiver compared to the other. The COMP waiver, for example, is often more comprehensive, as suggested by its name, and may offer a broader range of support for individuals with more intensive needs compared to the NOW waiver.

Is compensation available for family caregivers?

Participant direction is a key feature of both waivers, offering individuals and their families more control over the selection, management, and payment of their caregivers and services.

Participant direction, or self-direction, allows participants (or their families) greater autonomy in managing their services. This model gives them the authority to hire, train, and supervise their care providers. It also includes managing a budget for services and allowing the participant to allocate funds to best meet their individual needs.

In Georgia's NOW and COMP waivers, there is a provision for family caregivers to receive compensation for providing care to their family members under certain conditions. By allowing family caregivers to be paid, these waivers recognize the value of the care provided and offer financial support to families, which may help relieve some of the financial stress associated with providing long-term care.

However, the specific eligibility criteria, rates of compensation, and the process for becoming a paid caregiver under the NOW and COMP waivers can vary. It generally involves becoming a Medicaid-approved provider, including background checks, training, and adherence to specific state and federal regulations.

For the most up-to-date information regarding compensation for family caregivers under the NOW and COMP waivers in Georgia, including how to apply, specific eligibility criteria, and compensation rates, we recommend you consult directly with the Georgia Department of Community Health. They can provide guidance tailored to individual situations and ensure that caregivers and participants are fully informed about their options.

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Learn more about these programs on Georgia.gov >>