Parenting is an adventure with twists, turns, and unexpected detours. When your child is neurodivergent, the journey can feel even more complex. But what if there was a roadmap to help guide you through the healthcare maze? That’s where Vermont Medicaid comes in. This program is a lifeline for many families, offering much-needed support for kids with thinking and learning differences. Let’s unpack the details together.
First off, let’s demystify what Vermont Medicaid is. It’s a joint state and federal initiative to provide health coverage to low-income individuals. This includes a broad spectrum of people, from low-income adults and children to pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. However, the real magic for parents of neurodivergent kids lies within the Vermont Medicaid Waiver Program.
So, what’s so special about this waiver program? It allows individuals usually requiring institutional care to receive long-term services in their homes or communities. For neurodivergent kids, who often thrive in familiar surroundings, this is a significant win.
The Vermont Medicaid Waiver Program isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s designed to cater to individual needs through various waivers. For instance, the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers provide various services and supports to help individuals live in their homes and communities. These services may include personal care, respite care, and habilitation services.
Read more: Does My Child Qualify for Medicaid?
Then there’s the Developmental Disability Services Waivers. These waivers offer services to individuals with developmental disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities and autism. Services may include case management, residential habilitation, and supported employment. In essence, these waivers are like a Swiss Army knife of resources for families with neurodivergent kids.
how do you get on board with Vermont Medicaid? Eligibility depends on several factors, including income, resources, and health needs. The application process might seem daunting, but it’s more like a recipe. You need to follow each step carefully, but the result – the potential benefits for your family – is well worth the effort.
For example, Goally’s learning tablet for kids could be covered under Vermont Medicaid. This device can be a game-changer for neurodivergent kids, helping them develop skills and routines that make their daily lives easier and more fulfilling.
| Goally Waiver Scorecard | Score |
|---|---|
| Website clarity and ease of navigation | 5/5 |
| Access and requirements of qualification | 5/5 |
| Healthcare coverage | 5/5 |
So, what’s in it for your neurodivergent child? Vermont Medicaid can provide them the support and services they need to thrive. From therapy sessions to assistive technology like Goally’s learning tablet, these benefits can significantly improve the quality of life for kids with thinking and learning differences.
Moreover, having access to these resources can help your child develop essential skills, boost their confidence, and foster independence. It’s like giving them the tools to build their success story.
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.
Yes, the journey to securing Vermont Medicaid for your neurodivergent child may seem like a marathon. But remember, every step you take brings you closer to the finish line. The ultimate prize is the peace of mind that comes from knowing your child has access to the services they need.
So, take a deep breath, gather your documents, and start your journey. You’re not alone. There are resources and communities out there ready to lend a hand. And remember, every step you take is for your child’s well-being, which makes you an incredible parent.
Circumstances/Diagnosis: Any child under 19 who is diagnosed with any type of 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 Katie Beckett Programs 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.
Call the Health Access Eligibility Unit toll free at 1-800-250-8427
Please see this page where you can apply for services from the Developmental Disabilities Services Division
Vermont has one of the best waiver programs in the nation. Their Disabled Children’s Home Care makes it so that families of all incomes can access Medicaid and the Global Commitment to Health Program makes it so that those Medicaid recipients can receive the specialized care they need without any additional costs. Just talk to your Medicaid provider about receiving extra services like Home and Community Based Services and they will help you out. There are no waiting lists and the two step process makes accessing your services easier than just about anywhere else in the nation. More states should look to adopt a plan similar to Vermont’s.
This post was originally published on 02/16/2021. It was updated on 09/15/2023.
