Let’s face it: navigating the Medicaid world can feel like deciphering an ancient language. But don’t fret! This guide breaks down the ins and outs of the Medicaid Waiver in New York, especially for parents of neurodivergent kids. So, please grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get started.
What exactly is the Medicaid Waiver in New York? Simply put, it’s a program that helps families of kids with thinking and learning differences afford necessary care and services. Think of it as a financial safety net, ready to catch you when medical expenses pile up.
You might wonder, “Is my family eligible?” The Medicaid Waiver is designed for families with neurodivergent kids who require a level of care typically provided in a hospital or facility. The beauty of this waiver is that it allows these services to be provided at home or in the community, promoting a better quality of life for your child.
How do you get your hands on this Medicaid Waiver? Well, it’s more manageable than it might seem. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Read more: Medicaid Waivers by State | A Guide for Parents
Once you’ve submitted your application, it’s a waiting game. But don’t worry, the wait is worth it. Once approved, you’ll have access to various services that greatly benefit your child and family.
| Goally Waiver Scorecard | Score |
|---|---|
| Website clarity and ease of navigation | 1/5 |
| Access and requirements of qualification | 5/5 |
| Healthcare coverage | 4/5 |
Once you’ve got your Medicaid Waiver, it’s time to make the most of it. The waiver covers various services, from physical therapy and occupational therapy to behavioral health services. But that’s not all. It can also cover the cost of equipment and modifications to your home to accommodate your child’s needs.
Working with providers is key to maximizing these benefits. They can help you navigate the system and ensure your child receives the best care possible. Plus, they can point you toward other resources and programs your child may benefit from. It’s all about working together to provide the best for your child.
While the Medicaid Waiver is a significant resource, it’s not the only one out there. There are numerous other resources and supports available for families of neurodivergent kids. Support groups, educational programs, and advocacy organizations can provide additional assistance and guidance.
Read more: State Medicaid Waiver Program
Remember, the goal is to provide the best possible care for your child. That’s where Goally comes in. Our learning tablet for kids and apps are designed to support kids with thinking and learning differences, complementing the services the Medicaid Waiver provides. Together, we can help your child thrive.
Disability Rights New York provides free legal and advocacy services for people with disabilities: https://www.drny.org/index.php
Parent to Parent Group of NY: http://parenttoparentnys.org/
A brochure explaining New York HCBS services: https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/bho/docs/h…re_english.pdf
Telephone Resources
Every relevant contact number in the OPWDD: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us
OPWDD Information Line 1-866-946-9733
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.
In short, the Medicaid Waiver in New York can be a game-changer for families of neurodivergent kids. It provides: Financial assistance. Access to necessary services. The opportunity for kids to receive care in the comfort of their own homes. But remember, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Every child can thrive with the right resources, like Goally, and a supportive community.
Circumstances/Diagnosis: Any kid or adult who has an either an intellectual and/or developmental disability (this includes autism). There are no age restrictions on this waiver and eligible applicants require an intermediate care facility level of care.
Income: Eligibility is based solely on the child’s income so if they are not making any money they are eligible for the waiver.
The waiver provides a variety of services including: assistive technology-adaptive devices, intensive behavioral services (like ABA therapy), day habilitation, live-in caregiver, prevocational, residential habilitation, respite, supported employment, agency with choice/FMS, consolidated supports and services, support brokerage, community habilitation, community transition, environmental mods (home accessibility), family education and training, pathway to employment, plan of care support services.
Call the Children and Youth Evaluation Service (C-YES) at 1-833-333-2937 and they will help you walk through the first steps of the process.
You can visit the C-YES website to answer questions: https://www.nymedicaidchoice.com/con…based-services
New York has a good waiver program once you are able to get connected to the right place. Their website feels like a labyrinth and it is incredibly difficult to find the information you need at different times. We highly recommend that you rely on the info lines to get connected to people who can walk you through the process. Trying to figure it out with only their website is frustrating and time-consuming.
Though it depends on your circumstances, we recommend that you apply for the OPWDD Comprehensive Waiver first. Both waivers provide similar services, but the OPWDD waiver is better suited for children with autism because of their behavioral services and due to the fact that your child can stay on the waiver for life if needed.
