There’s one thing every Louisianan should know when seeking long-term services through Medicaid waivers – it’s not always a quick process. Many people find themselves on the state’s waiver waiting list, now called the Request for Services Registry (RFSR). It can be frustrating to wait in limbo for services you need. But the more you understand about the inner workings of the waiting list, the better off you’ll be while you wait. Read on as we share how the Louisiana Medicaid waiver waiting list works.
What is the Request for Services Registry (RFSR)?
After applying for waiver services, you’ll have the option to be added to the RFSR – it’s a registry that houses your information and indicates that you’ve requested waiver services. The day you sign up for the registry is your “protected date.” It helps to hold your place in line for services; it’s incredibly important considering that thousands may be waiting for services at any one time (check this resource to see numbers for the Medicaid waiver waiting list by State). For more information about the RFSR, read this Louisiana Department of Health resource.
How the Waiting List Is Managed
In Louisiana, the waiting list isn’t your average first-come, first-served system; the list is prioritized based on the level of urgency. The Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, which is the program that offers disability waiver services, utilizes the SUN (Screening for Urgency of Need) to determine who gets services and when.
During your SUN, the OCDD will look at the following and more, and assign you a score:
- Change in caregiver status
- Change in an individual’s needs or circumstances
- Change in availability or eligibility of supports
- Change in external factors
Here are the 5 SUN scores and what each of them means:
- 4 – Emergent: Supports needed in the next 90 days
- 3 – Urgent: Supports needed in 3–12 months
- 2 – Critical: Supports needed in 1–2 years
- 1 – Planning: Supports needed in 3–5 years
- 0 – Needs met: No unmet needs currently
Both your protected date and your SUN score will be considered to determine when services will be offered to you. Those with emergent (4) or urgent (3) needs are prioritized first. Offers are made in the order of earliest protected date within each urgency level, ensuring that people with the most immediate needs are served promptly.
Note: If your needs change in a given year and you believe you need to have your SUN redone, you can reach out to your local Human Service District or Authority and explain the situation to them.
Moving From Waiting List to Services
When you receive an offer, you’ll work with your support coordinator to complete a needs-based assessment and person-centered planning. This step ensures that Medicaid staff can match available services to your unique circumstances, daily support requirements, and goals. If your needs exceed the initial waiver tier offered, you can request an exception to move to a higher-tier waiver.
So, there you have it – how the Louisiana waiting list works in a nutshell. Staying informed and proactive while on the RFSR can help you feel more in control and ready to access the services you need as soon as they become available. If you have any questions or concerns, we recommend reaching out to a Medicaid support coordinator for assistance.
