As a parent of a neurodivergent child, you’re constantly looking for resources to support your child’s unique needs. One such resource is the Medicaid Waiver Program in California. This program is a beacon of hope in the often confusing world of healthcare, offering financial assistance and services for families like yours. In this guide, we’ll break down the complexities of this program, equipping you with the knowledge you need to harness this valuable resource.
Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is the Medicaid Waiver Program in California? Simply put, it’s a program that allows the state to ‘waive’ certain Medicaid rules, enabling more families to access services. For families with neurodivergent kids, this can mean the difference between affording essential therapies, respite care, and other crucial services or not.
But how does it work? In essence, the program operates on a case-by-case basis. It considers factors like income, age, and the level of care required. So, if your child is diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, or another thinking and learning difference, you’re on the right track. But be aware of the eligibility criteria. The application process can seem complex, but it’s a journey worth taking.
| Goally Waiver Scorecard | Score |
|---|---|
| Website clarity and ease of navigation | 4/5 |
| Access and requirements of qualification | 5/5 |
| Healthcare coverage | 5/5 |
Now, let’s tackle the application process. It may seem daunting, but you can navigate it successfully with patience and perseverance. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the steps involved:
Remember, the process can take time, but the potential benefits for your child are worth the wait. In fact, using tools like Goally can help you manage your time and tasks more effectively during this process.
Read more: Autism Parent Support Groups Los Angeles
Of course, like any bureaucratic process, applying for the Medicaid Waiver Program in California can have its challenges. The paperwork can be overwhelming, and the wait times can be long. But don’t let these hurdles discourage you. Resources, including advocacy groups and case managers, are available to help you navigate the process. Plus, you can always go to Goally for support and advice.
http://www.frcnca.org/ — The mission of the FRCNCA is to support families of children with disabilities, special healthcare needs, and those at risk by ensuring the continuance, expansion, promotion and quality of family-centered, parent-directed, family resource centers.
http://www.familyvoicesofca.org/ — Family Voices of California is a statewide collaborative of parent-run centers working to ensure quality health care for children and youth with special health care needs.
https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/ — Disability Rights California advocates, educates, investigates, and litigates to advance the rights, dignity, equal opportunities, and choices for all people with disabilities.
California Department of Developmental Services Information Line: (916)-654-1690
Disability Rights California Hotline: 1-800-776-5746
Once you’ve successfully navigated the application process, it’s time to maximize the benefits. The Medicaid Waiver Program in California can cover a range of services, including therapy sessions, respite care, and even certain home modifications. Above all, remember that these benefits support your child’s growth and development. Use them wisely; they can make a significant difference in your child’s life.
Here’s a quick look at some of the services that might be covered:
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Therapy sessions | These can include speech, occupational, and physical therapy. |
| Respite care | This provides temporary relief for primary caregivers. |
| Home modifications | These can include ramps, lifts, and other adaptations to make your home more accessible. |
Finally, remember you’re not alone in this journey. There’s a community of parents like you, navigating the same challenges and celebrating the same victories. Reach out, share your experiences, and learn from others. Together, we can ensure our neurodivergent kids get the support they need to thrive.
In conclusion, the Medicaid Waiver Program in California is a valuable resource for families with neurodivergent kids. While the application process can be complex, the potential benefits make it worthwhile. With patience, perseverance, and proper support, you can unlock your child’s resources to thrive. So, why not take the first step today?
Circumstance/Diagnosis: Any child or adult who is diagnosed with either an intellectual and/or developmental disability (this includes autism). The state requires that individuals need an intermediate care facility level of care to qualify. This just means that the individual is unable to get through their day without a lot of supervision.
Income: Income eligibility is only based on the child’s income and not parent income. This means that your child is financially eligible for the waiver if they don’t have an income.
assistive technology
behavioral intervention services (like ABA therapy)
occupational therapy
optometric/optician services
physical therapy
community living arrangement services
day service
homemaker
prevocational services
respite care
supported employment individual
dental services
home health aide
prescription lenses and frames
psychology services
speech, hearing and language services
financial management service
chore services
communication aides
community-based training service
environmental accessibility adaptations
family support services
family/ consumer training
housing access services
non-medical transportation
nutritional consultation
personal emergency response systems (PERS)
skilled nursing
specialized medical equipment and supplies
transition/set up expenses
vehicle modifications and adaptations
This is our general understanding of how the California Medicaid process works, please add additional information in the comments section if you are a parent who has gone through this process:
Step One: Find a regional center nearest to you.
Step Two: Call the number of your local regional center and ask about their eligibility and intake process.
Step Three: Set up a free appointment with your local regional center. (Note that this may require filling out a brief application form).
Step Four: After eligibility is determined, you will have a meeting with the Individual Program Plan team. At this meeting, you can choose what services and tools your child will receive like Goally.
California’s HCBS waiver is one of the best in the nation. They have tons of available resources, their process is fairly simple to navigate, and there is no waitlist. There are a few other specialized waivers in the state but this one is so great that we recommend that everyone try it first.
This post was originally published on 02/16/2023. It was updated on 09/14/2023.
