The Medically Involved Children's Waiver (MICW), initiated in 2008, is a Medicaid waiver designed to support children from birth through age 17 who meet a nursing facility level of care. It primarily targets children residing in or at risk of entering nursing facilities. The waiver's key objectives are to preserve a family's ability to care for their child at home, ensure their health and safety, and facilitate their return home from nursing facilities with appropriate support. It addresses two specific groups: those in nursing facilities and those in the community at risk of institutionalization.
To be eligible for the MICW, applicants must meet specific criteria, including age (birth to 17 years) and the need for a nursing facility level of care. The waiver is designed for children currently in nursing facilities or at significant risk of institutionalization. Eligibility also involves a thorough assessment to ensure that the child's medical and health needs align with the services provided by the waiver.
The Medically Involved Children's Waiver provides various services and supports, including:
These services are designed to support the unique needs of medically involved children and their families.
Under the MICW, participants can choose their own caregivers for certain services. This participant-direction option requires caregivers to follow specific documentation and reporting procedures to access compensation. These procedures are designed to ensure that caregivers meet the necessary standards and that the services provided align with the individual needs of the waiver recipients.
While the MICW offers critical support, it faces limitations and challenges, such as resource constraints and the complexity of meeting diverse medical needs. These challenges can impact the program's reach and effectiveness, necessitating continuous evaluation and adaptation to meet the evolving needs of this vulnerable population.
The Medically Involved Children's Waiver offers essential support for families and children in need. If you believe you or your child could benefit from this program, fill out this form to get started.
