Parenting a neurodivergent kid can feel like you’re constantly learning, especially when navigating healthcare systems. The Medicaid Waiver Florida program is one such system that can be a lifesaver for your family. This guide will help you understand and utilize this resource, ensuring your child can access the support they need.
Let’s start with the basics. A Medicaid waiver is a provision that allows states to set aside certain Medicaid rules, providing services that aren’t usually covered. For families of neurodivergent kids, this means access to essential support services that can make a difference.
Each state has its own Medicaid waiver program tailored to the unique needs of its residents. The Florida Medicaid waiver program is no exception. It’s designed to provide various services to eligible individuals, easing the financial burden and improving the quality of life for families.
The Medicaid Waiver Florida program offers a range of services to eligible individuals. But what does eligibility look like, and what services are covered? Let’s break it down:
| Eligibility | Services |
|---|---|
| Individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and Prader-Willi Syndrome. | Behavioral therapy, personal care, respite care, and more. |
Read more: How to Get an IEP in Florida | Steps
Medicaid Waiver Florida program applications can be made through the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). Goally, with its range of learning tablets and apps for neurodivergent kids, can be a great tool to complement the services provided by this program.
Read more: Special Needs Schools in Florida
Why should you consider applying for the Medicaid Waiver Florida program? For starters, it can be a lifeline for families of neurodivergent kids. Here’s how:
Furthermore, the services the Medicaid Waiver Florida program provides can work hand-in-hand with Goally’s learning tablets and apps, providing a comprehensive support system for your child.
Applying for the Medicaid Waiver Florida program can seem daunting. But, with the correct information and guidance, you can easily navigate this process. Here are some steps to help you along the way:
Remember, patience and persistence are key. It may take some time, but the benefits of the Medicaid Waiver Florida program are well worth the effort.
Waiver #1: Developmental Disabilities Individual Budgeting (Also called iBudget)
(850) 488-4257 — Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities should be able to help answer questions you may have.
It’s important to acknowledge that the Medicaid waiver process can come with challenges. For instance, there may be waitlists or paperwork hurdles. But don’t be disheartened. With patience and persistence, you can overcome these obstacles.
| Criteria | Score (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Website clarity and ease of navigation | 0 |
| Access and requirements of qualification | 0 |
| Healthcare coverage | 2 |
During this journey, remember that you’re not alone. Numerous resources are available to help you navigate the Medicaid Waiver Florida program. Organizations like the Family Care Council Florida offer guidance and support. Goally is always here to provide tools and resources to support your child’s learning and development.
Does your child need some extra guidance on building essential life skills? Goally’s skill building tablet for kids includes a TV app that has the most robust video library of skills training videos for kids. Ranging from content like “How to Brush Your Teeth” to “How to Make Friends at School,” we have dozens of interactive video lessons for kids with thinking and learning differences.
HERE’s a video explaining how to works.
Understanding the Medicaid Waiver Florida program can feel like decoding a complex puzzle. But, with the right information, it becomes manageable. This waiver can open doors to essential services for your neurodivergent kid, making it a valuable resource to explore. Remember, you’re doing an incredible job navigating this journey. You’re advocating for your child and their unique needs with every step. And that, dear parent, is truly commendable.
What does the Goally Team Think?
Florida has a terrible waiver program. Their websites are mazes filled with broken links and only a little bit of information. Please call in to the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities to avoid the headache that is trying to figure it out yourself. Additionally, there is a huge waitlist that takes roughly 7 years to get off. They have a confusing classification system to expedite some applications in extreme cases but there is simply not enough funding for the program. There are continual pushes to get more funding, but each extra investment by the state only seems to take about 1000 people off the waiting list.
This blog was originally published on February 16, 2021. It was Updated on September 8, 2023.
