The ROW and NOW Louisiana Medicaid waivers are sometimes difficult to sort through, thanks to potentially confusing language and similar acronyms. To help you fully understand these waivers and settle on the best one, we put together a comparison article to look intently at the differences between the two. By the end, you’ll have the information you need to make a well-educated decision about your or your loved one’s health coverage.
What is the Louisiana Residential Options Waiver (ROW)?
The Residential Options Waiver (ROW) is a program that helps to improve the lives of citizens with developmental disabilities. It provides targeted services and items that enable beneficiaries to transition from long-term care facilities (nursing homes, for example) to a home-based setting out in the community. Some of the main benefits to expect include nursing services, dental services, shared living, adult day health care, and more.
Who Qualifies for the ROW?
Not everyone who qualifies for Medicaid will qualify for the ROW. Here are the main criteria the person would have to meet to be offered the ROW waiver:
- You qualify for General Louisiana Medicaid.
- You have a developmental disability that started before the age of 22.
- You have received an OCDD Statement Of Approval (SOA).
- You meet the level of care criteria for Intermediate Care Facility Intellectual Disability.
But that’s not all. Given that so many people qualify based on the above criteria, the waiver is given out in order of priority. To learn more about that, read this Louisiana Department of Health resource.
What Is the Louisiana New Opportunities Waiver (NOW)?
The New Opportunities Waiver (NOW) is a program that focuses on supporting eligible individuals with disabilities through activity-based care rather than custodial care. The program fosters life enrichment through services like center-based respite, individual and family support (IFS), personal emergency response, transitional services, supported employment, day habilitation, and more.
You may qualify for the NOW waiver if you meet all of the following criteria:
- You qualify for Medicaid.
- You’re three years old or over.
- You’ve received your OCDD Statement of Approval (SOA).
- You have a disability recognized by the State of Louisiana.
- You meet the level of care criteria for Intermediate Care Facility Intellectual Disability.
- No other waiver can provide the help you need.
The Differences Between the Residential Options Waiver (ROW) And The New Opportunities Waiver (NOW)
The ROW and NOW have many similarities; they’re both home and community-based services that are dependent on funding and target those with disabilities. However, there are a few differences that make these programs unique. Here are the main differences between the two programs:
- Purpose – The ROW program aims to aid in the transition from long-term care facilities to the community. The NOW program is much more focused on activity-based care.
- Services – The services offered through the ROW program are intended to replace services beneficiaries would get in an institution. NOW services are more generalized and aim to enhance beneficiaries’ independence. They also don’t focus on custodial care.
- Eligibility age – The ROW is available to people of all ages. The NOW is for people ages three and older.
To ask specific questions about the waivers, contact your local OCDD district or authority. Here’s a directory of phone numbers and contacts.
So, there you have it – the main differences between the NOW and ROW. Remember that Medicaid must offer a specific waiver to you – you cannot simply claim it. These waivers are also offered on a first-come, first-served basis. So, if you or a loved one needs specialized Medicaid assistance through one of these waivers, the time to act is now. We hope you found all the information you were looking for. And we wish you the best as you secure the Medicaid benefits you need.
