NV Self-Directed Skilled Services Program

The Self-Directed Skilled Services Program in Nevada is a Medicaid program that allows eligible individuals to hire and manage their own skilled care providers, including family members. This article overviews the Self-Directed Skilled Services Program, its benefits, eligibility requirements, services and supports, and caregiver compensation. 

Overview of Self-Directed Skilled Services Program in Nevada

The Self-Directed Skilled Services Program in Nevada (SDSS) is a statewide Medicaid program that provides skilled services to individuals who need medical, nursing, or home health care services to live independently in their homes. Skilled services require the supervision or direction of a licensed healthcare professional, such as a nurse or a therapist. Skilled services include wound care, medication administration, catheter care, ostomy care, tube feeding, and injections.

The SDSS program is different from traditional agency-based skilled services because it allows the individual to self-direct their care. This means the individual can choose who provides their care, how it is delivered, when, and how much their caregiver is paid. The individual can hire anyone they trust to be their skilled care provider (SCP), including friends, neighbors, or relatives (except spouses or legal guardians). The individual can also train their SCP according to their preferences and needs.

The SDSS program is administered by an Intermediary Service Organization (ISO), a contracted entity that handles self-directed care's financial and administrative aspects. The ISO helps the individual with tasks such as enrolling in the program, developing a service plan and budget, hiring and paying the SCP, monitoring the quality of care, and complying with Medicaid rules and regulations.

The SDSS program is part of Nevada's Regular State Plan Medicaid program, meaning it is an entitlement program. This means anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can receive the services without being placed on a waiting list.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the SDSS program in Nevada, an individual must meet the following criteria:

• Be a Nevada resident.
• Be enrolled in Nevada Medicaid.
• Be at least 18 years old or emancipated.
• Need skilled services that are prescribed by a physician and authorized by Medicaid.
• Have a physician's order for skilled services
• Have a functional assessment service plan (FASP) that determines the amount and frequency of services needed.
• Be able to self-direct their care or have a designated representative to do so on their behalf.
• Agree to participate in the program and follow its rules and regulations.

Services and Supports

The SDSS program in Nevada offers the following services and supports:

• Skilled services: A SCP provides Medical, nursing, or home health care services in the individual's home or community setting.
• Case management: Coordination of services and supports by a case manager who helps the individual with accessing resources, developing goals, monitoring progress, and resolving issues.
• Intermediary service organization: Financial management and administrative support by an ISO that helps the individual with enrolling in the program, hiring and paying the SCP, managing the service plan and budget, ensuring quality of care, and complying with Medicaid rules and regulations.

Compensation for Caregivers

One of the main benefits of the SDSS program in Nevada is that it allows individuals to compensate their family caregivers for providing skilled services. Family caregivers are often underpaid or unpaid for their valuable work, which can lead to financial hardship, stress, burnout, and reduced quality of life. By paying family caregivers through the SDSS program, individuals can recognize their contribution, reward their efforts, improve their relationships, and enhance their well-being.

The amount of compensation that family caregivers can receive through the SDSS program depends on several factors, such as:

• The individual's service plan and budget
• The number of hours of service provided by the SCP
• The hourly rate of pay for the SCP
• The availability of funds from Medicaid

According to the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, the maximum hourly rate of pay for a SCP in the SDSS program is $15.00 as of July 1, 2023. However, the individual can negotiate a lower rate with their SCP. The individual can also pay their SCP more than the maximum rate, but they must cover the difference from their own funds.

The individual is responsible for paying their SCP through the ISO, which acts as the employer of record and handles payroll, taxes, insurance, and other employment-related matters. The individual can pay their SCP biweekly or monthly, depending on their preference.

A Note from Givers

If you are interested in applying for this program or finding out if you might be eligible, please fill out this form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. You deserve to be paid for your work.