The Louisiana Residential Options Waiver (ROW) is a valuable program that provides support and services to individuals with developmental disabilities. The program offers services to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and promote their independence and inclusion within their community.
Below, you’ll learn more about the Louisiana ROW, including its qualifications, application process, and benefits.
What is the Residential Options Waiver (ROW) in Louisiana?
The Residential Options Waiver (ROW) program in Louisiana provides support and services to individuals with developmental disabilities. This program aims to provide individuals with the opportunity to live in a community-based setting rather than a nursing facility or institution.
How Do You Qualify for the Louisiana ROW?
Individuals must meet four specific eligibility requirements to qualify for the Residential Options Waiver (ROW) in Louisiana. These requirements include the following:
- Eligibility for Louisiana Medicaid.
- Meet the Louisiana definition for a developmental disability (a disability that appeared before the age of 22).
- Have a Statement of Approval from the Louisiana Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD).
- Match the level of Intermediate Care Facility-Intellectual Disability with intellectual disability (ICF-ID).
Unlike the Children’s Choice waiver, the ROW is intended for people of all ages.
Louisiana’s Priority Groups for the Residential Options Waiver
In addition to the eligibility requirements, there are priority groups for ROW waiver opportunities. These priority groups include:
- Individuals meeting the requirements above and receiving services through the Office of Aging and Adult Services (OAAS), Community Choices Waiver (CCW), or Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) Waiver programs. These individuals are given priority to transition into the ROW.
- Those living at a publicly operated ICF-ID when it was transitioned to a private ICF-ID through a cooperative endeavor agreement or their alternates. Ex. Pinecrest Supports and Services Center
- Persons with the most need level and earliest registration dates based on information from the OCDD registry.
- Individuals in a Medicaid-enrolled ICF/ID seeking a voluntary transition (bed conversion process) to the ROW.
- Having an income that’s three times the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Federal Benefit Rate (FBR).
These eligibility requirements and priority groups ensure that individuals with the most need who require residential services receive the support they need through the ROW program.
How Do You Apply for the Louisiana ROW?
To apply for the Louisiana Residential Options Waiver (ROW), you first need to contact your local Human Services District/Authority. The first step in the application process is to go through the eligibility determination process conducted the local office.
Once approved, individuals can request to be placed on the Request for Services Registry (RFSR). The RFSR is a registry maintained by OCDD, which includes the names of individuals who need waiver services and the date they initially requested these services.
In the RFSR, individuals are sorted by level of need for care. When a waiver slot becomes available, OCDD prioritizes individuals based the priority groups above. Those who meet the eligibility criteria and fall into the highest urgency priority category(s) will be offered the next OCDD waiver opportunity that best suits their needs.
Once the slot becomes available, the OCDD checks the financial and medical eligibility of the person, deciding at that time. Until then, the application process technically hasn’t started yet.
What are the Benefits of the Louisiana ROW?
The Residential Options Waiver (ROW) program in Louisiana offers numerous benefits to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This program provides a comprehensive range of services and supports to improve the quality of life and independence of individuals with IDD.
Below are some examples:
- Support Coordination: The ROW program requires you to have a support coordination and residential waiver service every 30 days.
- Companion Care: Provide individuals with disabilities with social interaction, companionship, and supervision.
- Community Living Supports (CLS): Enable individuals with IDD to live in their own homes or community-based settings rather than in institutional settings.
- Host Home: Offer individuals with disabilities the opportunity to live with a loving host family.
- Shared Living: Shared living services, where individuals with developmental disabilities can live in a shared home environment with roommates.
- Center-Based Respite Care-Out of Home: Temporary relief to caregivers by providing short-term care for individuals with IDD.
- Personal Emergency Response System: Personal emergency response systems allow people with disabilities to call for help in an emergency.
- One-Time Transition Services (TEPA): Assist individuals with IDD in transitioning from institutional settings to community-based living arrangements.
These are only a few examples of the services; you can learn more through the Louisiana Department of Health.
How Do Support Coordination Agencies Help Me With a ROW?
Support coordinators assist in developing an individualized plan, help individuals access services, and serve as advocates for individuals with a ROW. Whether navigating complex bureaucratic systems, addressing concerns or grievances, or advocating for additional support, support coordinators provide guidance, assistance, and advocacy throughout the ROW journey.
