Florida medicaid waiver

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Florida has several Medicaid Waiver Programs. Medicaid Waiver Programs cover supports and services not typically covered by Medicaid.

The HCBS/DD Waiver Program

The Home and Community Based Services Waiver, also called the HCBS/DD Waiver or "Big" Waiver, is one of Florida's Medicaid Waiver Programs that assists people who have disabilities. These disabilities include: Mental Retardation, Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy, Prader-Willi, and Autism. The HCBS/DD medicaid waiver program helps cover the cost for things that regular medicaid does not pay for. The HCBS Waiver currently has 28 services^[1] and there is no spending cap. However, services must be "medically necessary".

There is currently a waiting list of over 15,000 people for this waiver.^[2] Some of the people on the waiting list receive services from the FLS waiver.

The FSL Waiver Program

The Florida Supported Living Waiver, also called the FSL Waiver or "Little" Waiver is another Florida Medicaid Waiver Program. This Waiver currently has a spending cap of $14,792.00.^[3] There are only 11 services on this waiver. Many people on the FLS Waiver are waiting to get on the HCBS Waiver. The FLS Waiver also assists people who have disabilities, and the requirements to receive services are the same as the HCBS Waiver.

Support Coordination

Support Coordinators for the HCBS and FSL Waiver Programs assist people who have disabilities in accessing supports and services. Natural resources are used whenever possible. Medicaid Waivers are "The Payer of Last Resort".

The rate for support coordination has recently been reduced. The old rate was $161.60 per month, for each person served. The new rate is $135.00 per month for adults and for children living in group homes. However, it has been reduced to $67.50 for children living in family homes. ^[4] Several other services have been eliminated.

History

Prior to Medicaid Waiver Programs, many people who had disabilities were served in nursing homes or institutions. The HCBS and FSL Waivers help people to live in their communities by proving supports and services to people who live in the community. It is believed that it is less expensive for people to receive services in the community, rather than in a nursing home or an institution.

Resources 1. The Agency For Persons With Disabilities http://apd.myflorida.com/ 2. WaiverProvider.Com http://www.waiverprovider.com/ 3. Support Coordinators.Com http://www.supportcoordinators.info/

http://apd.myflorida.com/about/get-the-facts.htm (A.P.D. 1)