What is a Waiver?

Waiver is a shortened term for the Medicaid Home and Community Based Waiver Program which provides funding for Intellectual Disabilities supports and services to help you to live in your home and community.

The name Waiver comes from the fact that the federal government waives Medicaid rules for institutional care in order for the state to use the same funds to provide supports and services for people in the community. The state must make specific assurances to the federal government when requesting a Medicaid Waiver.

Why Should I Apply For Waiver Funding?

Waivers are the primary funding source for Intellectual Disabilities supports and services in Pennsylvania. Waivers offer an array of services and benefits such as choice of qualified providers, due process, and health and safety assurances.

To Whom Does the Person/Family Directed Support Waiver (P/FDS) and the Consolidated Waiver Provide Funding?

Both of these Intellectual Disabilities waivers provide funding for supports and services to eligible persons with Intellectual Disabilities who are age three and older so they can remain in their home and community. People can live in the home of their choice such as their family home or an apartment or home of their own, with people they choose.

Pennsylvania has set criteria to determine eligibility for Intellectual Disabilities Medicaid Waiver funding that is the same in all counties. Financial eligibility is based only on the income of the individual, not the income of the parents.

If you have questions about waiver eligibility you can call your Supports Coordinator at the Venango County Support Coordination Unit at 814-432-9100.

What Do Waivers Mean To Me?

• Waivers can provide funding for the supports and services that you need in order for you to remain in your home and community.
• You will have a choice of the approved waiver services you receive in order to meet your needs. These needs are identified when you do person centered planning that looks at your total life.
• You will have a choice of qualified people or agencies that provide supports or services that you need.
• Your health and safety will be assured.
• Supports and services will be monitored for quality. You will play an important role in deciding if you are receiving quality supports and services. If you are not satisfied with the quality, then you need to talk with the person or agency that provides your supports about improving the quality. You may also decide to choose a different provider. Supports Coordinators, County MH/MR Programs, the Independent Monitoring Team for Quality in your county and the Office of Developmental Programs all monitor for quality.