The Oregon Behavioral (ICF/IDD) Model Waiver provides essential services and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities aged 0-17 years, recognizing and compensating family caregivers through a self-directed option.
The Oregon Behavioral (ICF/IDD) Model Waiver plays a vital role in the healthcare landscape by offering a range of essential services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) aged 0-17 years who meet an Intermediate Care Facility/Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) level of care. This Medicaid waiver program extends support and opportunities for those who require specialized care to lead fulfilling lives.
Overview of Oregon Behavioral (ICF/IDD) Model Waiver
The Behavioral (ICF/IDD) Model Waiver is a crucial Medicaid program designed to provide comprehensive support and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) ages 0-17 years in Oregon. It operates with a concurrent 1915(b)(4) authority, allowing it to offer tailored care and assistance to those who meet an Intermediate Care Facility/Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) level of care.
The Oregon Behavioral (ICF/IDD) Model Waiver aims to provide an array of services, including employment path services, supported employment - individual employment support, waiver case management, discovery/career exploration services, environmental safety modifications, family training, individual-directed goods and services, specialized medical supplies, supported employment - small group employment support, and vehicle modification services.
By offering these services, the program strives to achieve several key objectives:
- Enhancing Employment Opportunities: The waiver emphasizes providing supported employment opportunities to enable care recipients to develop and utilize their skills in the workforce, fostering greater independence and self-sufficiency.
- Family Involvement and Training: Recognizing the vital role of families in caregiving, the program offers training and support to family members to enhance their ability to provide care and assistance to their loved ones effectively.
- Environmental Safety Modifications: The waiver focuses on making necessary adaptations to participants' living environments to ensure safety, accessibility, and ease of daily living.
- Specialized Medical Supplies and Services: Ensuring individuals with IDD have access to specialized medical supplies and services, the program aims to address their unique healthcare needs effectively.
- Community Integration: The program promotes community integration by supporting participants' participation in group employment settings and enabling them to engage in community activities actively.
The Oregon Behavioral (ICF/IDD) Model Waiver is a compassionate and essential initiative, recognizing the diverse needs of individuals with IDD and working towards a more inclusive and supportive society.
Eligibility Requirements for Oregon Behavioral (ICF/IDD) Model Waiver
To qualify for the Oregon Behavioral (ICF/IDD) Model Waiver, individuals must meet specific criteria that assess their need for intellectual and developmental disability services and support. The eligibility requirements include:
- Age: The waiver is available to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are aged 0-17 years.
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD): Applicants must have a diagnosed intellectual disability or a related developmental disability that significantly impacts their ability to function independently in daily activities.
- ICF/IID Level of Care: Eligibility is determined based on meeting the level of care criteria for Intermediate Care Facility/Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID).
- Residency: Applicants must be legal residents of the state of Oregon.
- Financial Eligibility: While the Medicaid program typically considers income and financial assets for eligibility, specific income limits may apply to this waiver program. Applicants must meet the financial criteria to qualify for the waiver services.
- Functional Assessment: A comprehensive assessment evaluates the applicant's functional abilities, medical needs, and required support level.
- Choice of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): The applicant must prefer receiving waiver services in a home and community-based setting rather than in an institutional facility.
Meeting these eligibility requirements does not guarantee immediate enrollment, as there may be a waiting list due to the demand for waiver services.
Services and Supports under the Oregon Behavioral (ICF/IDD) Model Waiver
The Oregon Behavioral (ICF/IDD) Model Waiver offers a comprehensive array of services and supports tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) aged 0-17 years. These services promote their independence, enhance their quality of life, and foster community inclusion. The range of services and supports available under the waiver includes:
- Employment Path Services: Assisting individuals in exploring employment opportunities and developing skills to succeed in the workforce.
- Supported Employment - Individual Employment Support: Providing one-on-one support to help participants maintain employment and excel in their job roles.
- Waiver Case Management: Offering personalized care coordination and assistance accessing waiver services and community resources.
- Discovery/Career Exploration Services: Supporting participants in discovering their interests and strengths to identify suitable career paths.
- Environmental Safety Modifications: Making necessary adaptations to living environments to ensure safety, accessibility, and independence.
- Family Training: Providing training and support to family members to effectively care for their loved ones with IDD.
- Individual-Directed Goods and Services: Allowing participants to direct their services giving them greater control over their care.
- Specialized Medical Supplies: Ensuring access to necessary medical equipment and supplies to address specific healthcare needs.
- Supported Employment - Small Group Employment Support: Offering support and assistance to participants in group employment settings.
- Vehicle Modification Services: Modifying vehicles to accommodate the needs of participants with mobility challenges.
- Assistive Technologies: Providing technological aids to enhance participants' independence and communication abilities.
- Community Integration Support: Facilitating participation in community activities and promoting social inclusion.
- Therapeutic Services: Offering various therapies, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral support.
- Respite Care: Providing temporary relief to caregivers, ensuring their well-being, and allowing them time for self-care.
- Behavioral Support Services: Addressing challenging behaviors and implementing strategies for positive behavior development.
- Health and Wellness Support: Promoting overall health and well-being through tailored health-related services.
- Education Support: Assisting with educational needs and fostering a conducive learning environment.
Through these services and supports, the Oregon Behavioral (ICF/IDD) Model Waiver aims to empower individuals with IDD and their families, facilitating their integration into the community and promoting a more inclusive and compassionate society. Participants receive person-centered care tailored to their unique requirements, ensuring they can thrive and lead fulfilling lives.
Compensation for Family Caregivers
The Oregon Behavioral (ICF/IDD) Model Waiver recognizes the invaluable role of family caregivers in providing essential support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Under this waiver, a self-directed option is available, allowing eligible participants and their families to have greater control over their care. Through the self-directed option, family members acting as caregivers can receive compensation for their care.
This compensation serves as a recognition of the significant contribution made by family caregivers to the healthcare system and acknowledges their dedication and efforts in supporting their loved ones with IDD. The self-directed option empowers families to design and manage the services that best meet the individual's unique needs, fostering a more personalized and compassionate approach to caregiving.
A Note from Givers
If you are a family caregiver in Oregon, take a step towards exploring your eligibility for compensation under the Oregon Behavioral (ICF/IDD) Model Waiver. Fill out this form to see if you qualify for the support you rightfully deserve.
