Being a parent of a neurodivergent kid can sometimes feel like you’re trying to solve a complex puzzle with no clear solution. But what if there was a tool that could help you put the pieces together? That’s where the Medicaid Waiver Program in Mississippi comes into play. This program is like a secret code, unlocking a wealth of resources and support for your family. In this guide, we’ll delve into the ins and outs of this program, helping you understand how it works, how to apply, and the benefits it can bring to your family.
First, let’s understand what this program is about. The Medicaid Waiver Program in Mississippi is a lifeline for families with neurodivergent kids. It’s designed to provide various services, from therapy sessions to medical equipment, all to enhance your kid’s quality of life.
Think of it as a helping hand, a support system that understands your kid’s unique challenges. With Goally’s learning tablet for kids, your child can learn at their own pace, while the Medicaid Waiver Program provides the financial support to make it possible.
Read more: How to Apply for SSI for a Child With Autism
Now, let’s talk eligibility. The Medicaid Waiver Program in Mississippi has specific criteria that need to be met. Your kid must be under 21, a resident of Mississippi, and have a diagnosis that falls under the umbrella of neurodivergence. Plus, they must require a level of care typically provided in a hospital or nursing facility.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a handy table to help you understand the eligibility criteria:
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | Under 21 |
| Residency | Resident of Mississippi |
| Diagnosis | Neurodivergent |
| Level of Care | Requires care typically provided in a hospital or nursing facility |
Once you’ve determined your kid is eligible, it’s time to tackle the application process. Yes, it might seem like a mountain to climb, but breaking it down into manageable steps can make it less intimidating.
Read more: Autism Schools in Mississippi | Parent Guide
Start by completing the application form, which requires detailed information about your kid’s diagnosis and needs. Then, submit supporting documents like medical records, therapy reports, and a letter from your kid’s doctor. Finally, a case manager will assess your kid’s needs and determine the level of support required. With Goally’s apps for kids, you can track your child’s progress and provide accurate information for the assessment.
So, what’s the big deal about this program? Well, it can significantly reduce the financial burden on families. It provides access to services that may otherwise be out of reach. Most importantly, it can enhance your kid’s quality of life, helping them to reach their full potential.
With the Medicaid Waiver Program in Mississippi, you’re not just getting financial support. You’re gaining access to a network of resources designed to help your kid thrive. Coupled with Goally’s learning tablet, your child can have a personalized learning experience while you enjoy some peace of mind.
| Goally Waiver Scorecard | Score |
|---|---|
| Website clarity and ease of navigation | 4/5 |
| Access and requirements of qualification | 3/5 |
| Healthcare coverage | 4/5 |
But wait, there’s more! There are other resources available to support parents of neurodivergent kids. These include local support groups, online forums, and organizations dedicated to specific diagnoses. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. There’s a community of parents out there who understand your challenges and can offer advice and support.
Division of Medicaid at: 1-800-421-2408.
And let’s remember Goally. With our learning tablet and apps, we’re here to support you and your kid every step of the way. We aim to make learning fun and accessible for all kids, regardless of their differences.
In short, the Medicaid Waiver Program in Mississippi can be a game-changer for families of neurodivergent kids. It provides financial support and access to services that make a real difference in your kid’s life. Yes, the application process can be a hurdle, but the potential benefits make it worth the effort.
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.
So, don’t be discouraged. Take that first step. Apply for the program. It could be the key to unlocking a world of opportunities for your kid. And remember, with Goally by your side, you’re not alone in this journey. We’re here to support you and your kid every step of the way.
Circumstances/Diagnosis: Children under 19 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 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.
This program lets kids whose families normally wouldn’t be able to qualify for medicaid receive medicaid services. This means that general doctors appointments and certain therapies can be covered through the traditional medicaid services for families with higher incomes.
Behavior Support, Day Services-Adult, Home and Community Supports, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Supervised Living, Community Respite, Host Homes, Crisis Support, Crisis Intervention, In-Home Nursing Respite, Support Living, Transition Assistance, Support Coordination, Supported Employment, Prevocational Services, Job Discovery, Specialized Medical Supplies, In-Home Respite, Shared Supported Living
Check out this informational page HERE. There is a list of numbers by county that you can call.
You will need to fill out and submit this Aged, Blind, and Disabled Medicaid form.
Take that form to your local medicaid office.
Contact Mental Health at 1-877-210-8513
Mississippi’s waiver programs for disabilities are organized in a smart and efficient manner. They have options for families with higher incomes to receive medicaid services and offer more intensive services for families who need them. There is a waitlist for the Intellectual Disabilities/ Developmental Disabilities Waiver but it is only a few months which is far better than a lot of states.
This post was originally published 02/16/2021. It was updated on 09/14/2023.
