When people with developmental disabilities are in need of specialized services, the OCDD stands ready to provide. And one of the avenues by which they assist this population is through Home and Community-Based Services. For those who are new to these types of provisions, this article will be helpful. We’ll cover these services in detail so you’ll know whether they might be a promising option for you or a loved one to explore.
What are Home and Community Based Services Through OCDD?
Per CMS.gov, Home and Community-Based Services refer to care provided to people in the comfort of their own home or community. They are targeted toward those who experience difficulties getting around or successfully completing activities essential for everyday life.
With Home and Community-Based services, affected people won’t have to be transferred to an outside facility for ongoing assistance with these things. They can consume the services they need without leaving their home.
OCDD manages four Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services waiver programs, all of which are specifically for those with developmental disabilities. Here are the 4 programs:
1. New Opportunities Waiver (NOW)
The New Opportunities Waiver (NOW) was created to support those with developmental disabilities by supplementing their families with various services. Some of them include one-time transitional services, center-based respite, day habilitation and transportation, substitute family care, and more.
There are specific requirements individuals must meet to qualify for this waiver. For instance, you must qualify for Louisiana Medicaid, be 3 years of age or older, and be in current possession of an OCDD Statement of Approval. But these aren’t all of the requirements; to learn more about the program and find out how to apply, go to this Louisiana Department of Health NOW Waiver Services page.
2. Children’s Choice Waiver (CC)
The Children’s Choice Waiver (CC) is helpful to children with developmental disabilities who need supplemental support at home. Children in possession of this waiver may receive services and therapies like the following:
- Center-based respite care
- Permanent housing stabilization
- Support coordination
- Music therapy
- Art therapy
- Aquatic therapy
*Note: This is not a full list of services and therapies children may receive through this waiver.
Just like the NOW waiver, individuals who need the waiver should begin by contacting a Human Services District or Authority in their area. To learn more, visit this waiver resource page.
3. Residential Options Waiver (ROW)
The Residential Options Waiver (ROW) is in place to help individuals with developmental disabilities transition from Intermediate Care Facilities to their home. The benefits are capped at a predetermined yearly amount based on how much support is necessary.
Some of the services covered by this waiver include support coordination, companion care, dental services, nursing services, and more.
To find out whether you qualify and get the process started, you’ll need to contact your local OCDD district/authority. For more information about the ROW waiver, read this Medicaid waiver resource page.
4. Supports Waiver (SW)
The Supports Waiver assists adults experiencing developmental disabilities by leveraging vocational and community inclusion to create new and exciting opportunities to thrive. Some of the main services individuals receive under this waiver include medically necessary Louisiana Medicaid services in addition to the following:
- Day habilitation
- Respite care
- Support coordination
- Supported Employment
*This is not a full list of services available with this waiver.
If you or a loved one has a need for this waiver, reach out to your local OCDD district or authority. To learn more, read this easy-to-digest waiver fact sheet. For full waiver information, click here.
With the right OCDD waiver(s), individuals with developmental disabilities in Louisiana can live healthier, better lives. We hope the information contained in this article was helpful to you.
