The Limited Supports Waiver (LSW) is a new Medicaid program launched in Utah in 2021. It is designed to provide home and community-based services for people with intellectual disabilities, related conditions, or acquired brain injuries who would otherwise need institutional care. The LSW aims to promote independence, choice, and community integration for its participants.
The article explores the LSW, how it works, who can benefit, and how to apply. We will also discuss some of the advantages and challenges of the LSW, as well as some resources for further information.
The LSW is one of the six Medicaid waivers the Division of Services offers for People with Disabilities (DSPD) in Utah. A Medicaid waiver is a special program allowing states to provide services not typically covered by Medicaid, such as personal care, respite care, supported employment, and assistive technology. These services are intended to help people with disabilities live in their homes and communities instead of institutions.
The LSW differs from the other DSPD waivers because it has limited services and a lower cost cap. The LSW only offers three services: personal assistance, companion services, and environmental accessibility adaptations. The annual cost cap for the LSW is $15,000 per person, compared to $50,000 for the Community Supports Waiver and $100,000 for the Acquired Brain Injury Waiver.
The LSW was created in response to the long waiting list for DSPD services, which had more than 6,000 people as of 2019. The LSW provides some support for people waiting for more comprehensive services or not needing intensive services. The LSW also aims to reduce the overall cost of DSPD services by providing preventive and early intervention services to avoid or delay the need for more expensive services in the future.
Some of the eligibility requirements for the LSW are:
The LSW offers three types of services and supports for its participants. These are:
These services complement the natural support the participant receives from their family, friends, and community. The LSW does not cover medical, residential, or other services available through other Medicaid programs or sources.
The LSW compensates unpaid family caregivers who provide personal assistance or companion services for their loved ones. However, this option is only available temporarily during the COVID-19 emergency and under certain conditions. Caregivers must meet the following criteria to be eligible for payment:
Caregivers who meet these criteria can use the self-administered services (SAS) model to receive caregiver compensation. This means they can hire, train, and supervise themselves as employees to provide the support they need. They must complete the necessary paperwork and submit it to a fiscal agent, who will handle the payroll and tax deductions. Caregivers can also seek employment with a DSPD contracted provider agency, but they must follow the same hiring, training, and documentation practices as any other staff member.
The LSW allows caregivers to provide up to 40 hours per week of support based on the individual’s documented and assessed needs. The average hourly rate for caregivers in Utah is about $17.08, but it may vary depending on the program guidelines and the fiscal agent or provider agency. Caregivers can only receive payment for services authorized by the support coordinator and included in the person-centered support plan.
If you are a parent or guardian of a loved one enrolled in the Limited Supports Waiver in Utah, you may be eligible for caregiver compensation. To determine if you qualify, please fill out this form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
