When you’re a parent of a neurodivergent kid, navigating the complex maze of Medicaid waivers can feel overwhelming, akin to traversing an intricate forest without a compass. But there’s no need for worry. This guide aims to be your beacon, shedding light on the intricacies of Idaho Medicaid. We’re here to help you decipher the system and unearth the support your child is entitled to.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s understand what Idaho Medicaid is. Simply put, it’s a joint state and federal program. Its mission? To provide health coverage for low-income individuals. This includes some low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. But, what’s in it for your neurodivergent kid? That’s where waivers come into the picture.
Medicaid waivers are special programs that offer additional services to specific groups of individuals. These services are not typically covered by Medicaid. But, they can be a lifeline for kids with thinking and learning differences, helping them flourish in their homes and communities.
Idaho offers several waivers that can benefit neurodivergent kids. These include:
Each waiver has its own set of eligibility criteria and services provided. For example, the Developmental Disabilities Waiver provides services like respite care, supported employment, and specialized medical equipment. This can be a game-changer for parents using tools like Goally to support their child’s development.
Let’s take a closer look at these waivers:
| Waiver | Eligibility | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Developmental Disabilities Waiver | Children and adults with developmental disabilities | Respite care, supported employment, specialized medical equipment |
| Children’s Developmental Disabilities Services Program | Children with developmental disabilities | Home and community-based services, family training |
| Aged and Disabled Waiver | Seniors and individuals with disabilities | Personal care services, adult day health |
Applying for a waiver can feel like climbing a mountain. But, with the right information and a dash of patience, you can reach the summit. Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide:
Read more: Medicaid Waivers by State | A Guide for Parents
After you’ve submitted the application, a case manager will assess your child’s needs and eligibility. If approved, your child will start receiving the services outlined in the waiver. Remember, the process can take time, and there may be a waiting list for some waivers. So, it’s crucial to apply as soon as possible.
| Goally Waiver Scorecard | Score |
|---|---|
| Website clarity and ease of navigation | 2/5 |
| Access and requirements of qualification | 4/5 |
| Healthcare coverage | 2/5 |
Getting the waiver is just the first step. To truly maximize the benefits, it’s important to:
Remember, tools like Goally can be a great companion in managing your child’s care. With features designed to support kids with thinking and learning differences, it can complement the services provided by Idaho Medicaid.
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.
In short, navigating Idaho Medicaid and its waivers may seem like a daunting task, but with the right information and a bit of patience, it’s entirely manageable. And remember, you’re not alone. There are resources and support groups available to help you along the way. So, take a deep breath, and take that first step. Your child’s future is worth it.
Circumstances/Diagnosis: Any child under 19 who is diagnosed with either an intellectual and/or developmental disability (this includes autism). The state requires that individuals need at least an intermediate care facility level of care to qualify. This has a technical definition but essentially 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 the parents income. This means that your child is financially eligible for the waiver if they don’t have an income.
The way TEFRA waivers work is that they allow families with higher incomes to receive medicaid benefits for their child because eligibility is based on the child income. This means that you will be able to receive dental care, emergency and non-emergency transportation, inpatient and outpatient treatment, medical equipment, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, vision.
Contact the Idaho CareLine by calling 2-1-1, or toll-free (800) 926-2588 to request an application or visit your regional Department of Health and Welfare office.
Fill out this application and send it to the contact information on the first page of the application.
You can review this application guide for more information.
Idaho has a good waiver program just by virtue of not having a waitlist. In other states it can take many years to get services, but in Idaho it only takes as long as it takes to apply. The actual services Idaho is a little lackluster, other states are more expansive with their services, but they should cover the most important needs your child has. There are also several adult waiver programs that you case manager can help you transition to as your child gets older.
This post was originally published on 02/16/2021. It was updated on 09/14/2023.
