Medicaid HCBS waivers allow federal Medicaid funds and state funds, which would otherwise be used to provide services in institutional settings, to be used to pay for home and community-based services. A person must receive Medicaid and be on a waiver to receive services.
DD Registry
There currently are not enough funds available for all requests for DD waivers. When you meet the level of care requirement, if you have Medicaid or are a Medicaid-eligible child, you are placed on the DD Registry to wait for funding.
DD Waiver services will be offered when funding is available.
When you are on the DD Registry:
- Funding is based on priorities in Nebraska Revised Statute §83-1216 to people:
- In immediate crisis;
- Who have lived in a Nebraska institutional setting for at least the last 12 months;
- Who are wards of DHHS or under the supervision of the Office of Probation Administration and transitioning out of the system at age 19;
- Transitioning from the educational system at age 21;
- Who are dependents of a member of the armed forces stationed in Nebraska; and
- Who are waiting, by date of application.
- You will be assessed for Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) Level of Care. Assessment happens once determined eligible, and yearly.
- You may receive services on a different Medicaid HCBS Waiver, Medicaid non-waiver services, or Lifespan Respite.
- If you are not on a different Medicaid HCBS Waiver, you may request a Service Coordinator (SC), who will:
- Work with you to develop a plan based on your natural and local community resources and supports;
- Help you access resources such as Medicaid, SSI, and SNAP;
- Help you identify and access community resources based on your needs;
- Hold meetings annually to help you work toward life goals;
- Monitor your plan to ensure it adequately addresses your needs;
- Follow up with your guardian and, as requested, your family;
- Adjust your plan when changes are needed for success; and
- Advocate for what you need from your family and community.
When you are offered funding for a DD waiver:
DDD uses an objective assessment process (OAP) to base your funding on your needs. An assessment determines your Individual Budget Amount (IBA). You use your IBA to purchase services.