Ever felt like you’re navigating a maze when trying to understand and access resources for your neurodivergent kid? You’re not alone. The world of Medicaid and its various programs can be complex, but we’re here to simplify the “Medicaid Waiver Program KY”. This program is a potential game-changer for families in Kentucky, offering financial assistance and services to kids with thinking and learning differences. So, let’s unravel this together, shall we?
Before we dive deeper, let’s get our bearings. The Medicaid Waiver Program in Kentucky, also known as the Kentucky Medicaid Waiver, is a program designed to provide support to individuals who would otherwise require institutional care. For families with neurodivergent kids, this means access to services that can make a world of difference.
Now, you might be wondering, “What exactly does this program cover?” Well, it’s quite extensive. The Medicaid Waiver Program KY can help cover the costs of a wide range of services, from therapy sessions to specialized equipment.
Here’s a snapshot of what’s included:
That’s right, the Medicaid Waiver Program KY can cover all these services and more. It’s like having a financial safety net, allowing you to focus more on supporting your kid and less on how to pay for these essential services.
Read more: State Medicaid Waiver Program
Now, you’re probably wondering, “Is my kid eligible?” To qualify for the Medicaid Waiver Program KY, there are specific criteria that must be met. Most importantly, the individual must require a level of care typically provided in a hospital, nursing facility, or intermediate care facility.
But wait, there’s more. There are also financial and medical requirements to consider. Let’s take a closer look at these.
Read more: How to Apply for SSI for a Child With Autism
When it comes to financial criteria, the income and resources of the individual applying for the waiver are considered, not the family’s. This means that even if your family income is above the Medicaid limit, your kid may still qualify for the Medicaid Waiver Program KY.
As for the medical requirements, a physician must certify that the applicant requires the level of care provided by the waiver. This typically involves a comprehensive assessment of your kid’s needs and abilities.
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Website clarity and ease of navigation | 4/5 |
| Access and requirements of qualification | 1/5 |
| Healthcare coverage | 3/5 |
Applying for the Medicaid Waiver Program KY can seem like a daunting task. But don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
Remember, patience is key. The application process can take time, but the potential benefits of the Medicaid Waiver Program KY are well worth the effort.
You can view a full overview of Kentucky’s waivers from the Division of Community Alternatives here.
Waiver #1: Michelle P. Waiver (MPW)
Waiver #2: Supports for Community Living
A list of local parent support groups in Kentucky
Kentucky Autism Training Center provides parents supports, information, and services.
The ARC of Kentucky can help you with everything from advocacy to employment.
MH/IDD Community Services Branch can help you with questions about the waiver process and we recommend talking with them — (502) 564-1647
The Medicaid Waiver Program KY is more than just a financial lifeline. It’s a gateway to a range of services and supports that can help your neurodivergent kid thrive. So, don’t be shy about asking questions and seeking advice. You’re your kid’s best advocate.
But the support doesn’t stop there. There are other resources available to help your kid thrive. For instance, Goally’s learning tablet can be a game-changer for kids with thinking and learning differences. It’s designed to help your kid develop essential skills and independence, complementing the support provided by the Medicaid Waiver Program KY.
Navigating the world of Medicaid and its various programs can be challenging. But, with a bit of knowledge and persistence, the Medicaid Waiver Program KY can unlock a world of support for your neurodivergent kid. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. There are resources and communities out there ready to help. So, take a deep breath, roll up your sleeves, and know that you’re doing an amazing job. After all, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, especially when it comes to kids with thinking and learning differences. Each step you take is a testament to your dedication and love. So, keep going, keep learning, and keep advocating for your kid. You’ve got this!
Looking for fun ways to help your child learn life skills? Try Goally! The Goally tablet comes with award-winning learning apps and video classes to help kids develop the skills they need to become independent with FUN & evidence-based practices.
Our apps teach executive function, language, emotional regulation, finger dexterity skills, and more.
As your child develops new skills, you can increase the difficulty level of the tasks in the app to challenge and motivate them even further. This helps your child grow and progress at their own pace, while also keeping them engaged and excited about their development.
Circumstance/Diagnosis: Any children and adults of all ages who are 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. There is a technical definition for this but it really just means that the individual is unable to get through their day without a lot of supervision.
Income: You are required to have or be eligible for medicaid. Most states disregard family income and only consider child income when a disability is present. You can find out more about applying for medicaid here.
The full list of services that are available through these waivers are:
Adult Day Health Care, Case Management, Community Access Services, Community Guide Services, Community Transition Services, Consultative Clinical and Therapeutic Service, Day Training, Environmental Accessibility Adaptation Services, Goods and Services, Natural Supports Training, Person-Centered Coaching, Personal Assistance Services, Positive Behavior Supports, Residential Support Services, Respite, Shared Living, Specialized Medical Equipment and Supplies, Supported Employment, Transportation Services, Vehicle Adaptation Services
But even official websites don’t distinguish between which services are unique to which waiver. In general, it seems as though they provide the same services but the Supports for Community Living provides additional services related to housing.
Please contact the Department for Medicaid Services at (844) 784-5614 before applying.
You can apply online through this link or you can apply in person at an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or Community Mental Health Center (CMHC).
You have to wait at least 5 years to get services in Kentucky. No parent should have to wait that long to get the services they need for their child. Kentucky has a fantastic, well organized website, but does little to impress beyond that. They need to add more spots on their waivers, but it seems as though the positive changes they make have only been incremental at around 200 spots every few years.
This post was originally published on 02/16/2021. It was updated on 09/14/2023.
