Many Louisianans with disabilities have accessed the services and support they need with OCDD Medicaid waivers. If you want to do the same, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll give you the rundown on which disabilities qualify for OCDD Medicaid waivers in Louisiana.
The Disabilities That Qualify For OCDD Medicaid Waivers
The Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) provides waivers for people with not just any disability – developmental disabilities, in particular. But it’s not that simple.
Not all developmental disabilities are included in the Louisiana definition of “developmental disability.” The definition can be found in the Revised Statute 25:451.2, Paragraph (12). A condition is only deemed a developmental disability if it meets one of the two below criteria:
Criteria 1
Is a severe, chronic disability that:
- Is attributed to an impairment that’s intellectual, physical, or a combination of both.
- Comes about before the age of 22.
- Is not expected to resolve.
- Is not fully attributed to mental illness.
- Reflects a need for special, interdisciplinary, or generic care or other long-term or extended services that are individually planned and coordinated.
- Brings about limitations in at least three of the following areas.
- Self-care
- Receptive and expressive language
- Learning
- Mobility
- Self-direction
- Capacity for independent living
- Economic self sufficiency
Criteria 2
- Is a substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired condition in someone from 1 to 9 years old, AND
- Without support and services, it has a high likelihood of resulting in substantial limitations later in life (in the following areas):
- Self-care
- Receptive and expressive language
- Learning
- Mobility
- Self-direction
- Capacity for independent living
- Economic self-sufficiency
See the actual language of the definition of developmental disability here.
A Rundown on the Waivers for People with Developmental Disabilities
The OCDD manages four different LA Medicaid waivers, and they include:
- Louisiana Children’s Choice Waiver (CCW) – provides supplementary support and services to children with developmental disabilities. Benefits include support coordination, family support, respite care, and more.
- Louisiana New Opportunities Waiver (NOW) – designed to help people with developmental disabilities live as independently as possible with community and family supports. Benefits of this waiver may include adult companion care, prevocational services, day habilitation and transportation, and more.
- Louisiana Residential Options Waiver (ROW)– helps people transition from intermediate care facilities and into the home and/or community. It’s for people with developmental disabilities that started before the age of 22. Qualifying individuals could receive help with one time transition services, nursing services, dental services, and more.
- Louisiana Supports Waiver (SW) – delivers support and care to those with developmental disabilities who are at least 18 years old. If you qualify, you could get habilitation assistance, support coordination, supported employment, and more.
LA Medicaid OCDD Waiver Requirements Vary
To qualify for an OCDD waiver, you’ll need more than a qualifying developmental disability. The OCDD waivers have additional requirements related to one or more of the following:
- Age
- OCDD statement of approval
- Louisiana Medicaid eligibility
- Current living situation
- Income requirements
The only way to know whether you or a loved one will qualify for a waiver is to apply for it. To do so, you’ll contact a local Human Services District/Authority and speak to a representative about your case. They will get the process started and keep you informed throughout.
Contact a Support Coordinator for Questions
Navigating the world of LA Medicaid waivers can easily become confusing and even frustrating. Luckily, support coordinators are available to help you with any questions or concerns you have regarding waiver benefits. They act as helpful advocates to guide you through the waiver process step by step.
