Ever felt like you’re stuck in a maze, trying to find the right resources for your neurodivergent kid? You’re not alone. One resource that often pops up on the radar is Wisconsin Medicaid. But what exactly is it? How can it help your family? Let’s unravel the mystery together and give you a clear path forward.
Let’s start by understanding what Wisconsin Medicaid is. Simply put, it’s a joint state and federal program that provides health coverage for low-income people. This includes some low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. However, applying and qualifying can feel like a tangled web, especially when it involves waivers for kids with thinking and learning differences.
Now, what are these waivers? Well, Medicaid waivers are programs that provide additional services to specific groups of individuals. These services are not typically covered by Medicaid. In Wisconsin, several waivers apply to neurodivergent kids. Let’s take a closer look.
In Wisconsin, two key waivers can benefit neurodivergent kids. These are the Children’s Long-Term Support Waiver and the Katie Beckett Program. Each one is designed to meet specific needs and circumstances.
Read more: Autism Schools in Wisconsin | Parent Guide
Applying for these waivers can feel like a Herculean task. But don’t worry; we’re here to help you break it down into manageable steps. With patience and perseverance, you can navigate this process successfully.
| Goally Waiver Scorecard | Score |
|---|---|
| Website clarity and ease of navigation | 4/5 |
| Access and requirements of qualification | 2/5 |
| Healthcare coverage | 3/5 |
Once you’ve secured a waiver, it’s like having a key to a treasure chest. But you must understand what’s inside to make the most of it. For example, did you know that Medicaid can cover specific therapies, equipment, or modifications to your home? Let’s explore how you can maximize your benefits.
Firstly, review all the services and supports available. Be bold about asking questions or seeking clarification. It’s your right to understand what you’re entitled to. Secondly, remember that resources like Goally can complement the support provided by Medicaid. Goally’s learning tablet for kids can be a game-changer for your neurodivergent kid, providing a structured, engaging way to learn and grow.
Applying for Wisconsin Medicaid and navigating the waiver system can feel like a marathon. But remember, every step you take is towards securing the support your child needs. And you’re not alone in this race. Contact local support groups, advocacy organizations, and other parents who’ve been in your shoes. Together, we can cross the finish line and ensure our neurodivergent kids get the support they need to shine. And remember, tools like Goally can make the journey easier. With its engaging apps for kids with thinking and learning differences, Goally can be a valuable ally in your child’s development journey. So, while navigating the Wisconsin Medicaid maze, don’t forget to explore how Goally can support you too.
Circumstances/Diagnosis: Children with physical disabilities, serious emotional disturbance, or developmental or intellectual disabilities, including autism under 22 years of age. The child must require at least a level of care equivalent to an intermediate care facility. This just means that your child is unable to get through your day without lots of supervision.
Income: Parents are expected to make partial payments based on their income. You can find an extensive list of how much you would have to pay at the bottom of this document. You can learn more about the payment plans here.
You need to calculate your payments based off of the current federal poverty level (FPL). For instance, for a family of 4 $26,200 is the poverty level. If your income is below 330% of this total ($86,460 in this case) you do not have to pay anything. If your income exceeds this you need to pay a certain percentage of your individual service plan (ISP).
Please check out this PDF which includes descriptions of all the services you receive with the waiver.
Start the process by calling your local County Office and ask about how to enroll. A county agency officer will help you navigate the process and start working on applications with you.
You can view Wisconsin’s description of the process here
When you call the county office also ask about the Family Support Program. From our understanding families with disabilities can get up to $3000 a year for services and goods like Goally.
Wisconsin has some great aspects and some not so perfect ones. Their website is easy to navigate, informative, and the state recently provided more funds to the waiver program in order to end the waitlist for services. On the other hand, they have a partial payment plan for CLTS and communicate this payment information poorly. It took us some time to figure out where to start and the waiver does not explain that a large portion of families will have no partial payments.
This post was originally published on 02/16/2021. It was updated on 09/17/2023.
