When you’re a parent to a neurodivergent child, you wear many hats. You’re their cheerleader, advocate, and trusted guide. But sometimes, the healthcare maze can be daunting, especially when understanding Utah Medicaid. But take a deep breath. This guide is here to help you understand Utah Medicaid, its benefits, and how it can support your child’s unique needs.
Utah Medicaid is a combined state and federal program. It’s designed to provide health coverage for people with low income. This includes some low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. Medicaid programs must follow federal guidelines but vary from state to state.
So, what does this mean for your family? You could get help with healthcare costs if you meet the income requirements. This can be a game-changer for families with neurodivergent kids, who often face high healthcare costs.
For families with neurodivergent kids, Utah Medicaid can be a lifeline. It provides a range of services designed to support their unique needs. These include therapy sessions, medical equipment, prescription medications, and more. It’s about providing the necessary support to ensure your child can thrive.
One of the ways that Goally can support your family is by helping your child build independence and self-confidence. With the support of Utah Medicaid, you may be able to access additional resources and tools, like Goally, to help your child thrive.
Applying for Utah Medicaid might seem like a mountain to climb, but it’s more like a small hill. The process involves a few key steps:
Read more: Does My Child Qualify for Medicaid?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this. There are resources available to help you navigate the application process. And remember, Goally is here to support you and your child every step of the way.
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Website clarity and ease of navigation | 4/5 |
| Access and requirements of qualification | 0/5 |
| Healthcare coverage | 3/5 |
(801) 538-4200 — Division of Services for People with Disabilities
Medicaid waivers in Utah are designed to provide additional support for individuals with specific needs, including neurodivergent kids. These waivers can provide respite care, behavioral consultation, and personal care services. But there’s a catch. There may be waiting lists for these waivers, so applying as soon as possible is crucial.
Here’s a quick look at some of the waivers available in Utah:
| Waiver | Services |
|---|---|
| Physical Disabilities Waiver | Respite care, personal care services, and more |
| Brain Injury Waiver | Respite care, behavioral consultation, and more |
| New Choices Waiver | Respite care, personal care services, and more |
For parents of neurodivergent kids, Utah Medicaid can provide the much-needed support to help your child thrive. It’s not just about medical coverage; it’s about providing services tailored to your child’s unique needs. From therapy sessions to medical equipment, Utah Medicaid supports you and your child every step of the way.
Remember, navigating the world of Utah Medicaid may seem overwhelming. Still, it can be a manageable process with the right information and resources. This guide aims to provide you with a starting point, but remember, many resources are available to help you along the way. After all, as a parent, you’re not just your child’s biggest advocate but also their biggest source of support.
Circumstance/Diagnosis: Any child or adult who has a diagnosis 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 just means that the individual is unable to get through their day without a lot of supervision. You can view more specific eligibility requirements HERE
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.
Behavioral Consultation, Chore Services, Companion Services, Day Supports, Emergency Response Systems, Environmental Adaptations, Extended Living Supports, Family/Ind. Training and Preparation, Financial Management Services, Homemaker Services, Living Start-up Costs, Massage Therapy, Medication Monitoring, Non-medical Transportation, Personal Assistance, Personal Budget Assistance, Residential Habilitation, Respite Care, Specialized Medical Equipment, Supported Employment, Supported Living, Waiver Support Coordination
Call the Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD): (801) 538-4200
Note that there is a 5 year waitlist
No parent should have to wait 5 years to start receiving services. The Comprehensive Waiver simply does not have enough funding and an additional autism waiver that Utah is being eliminated currently. This lack of access is terrible and needs to be changed. The Comprehensive Waiver is great when you’re on it, but terrible before that point.
This post was originally published on 02/16/2021. It was updated on 09/17/2023.
