54 Description of Waivers

Family Supports Waiver (FSW)

This waiver provides access to meaningful and necessary services and supports to persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The services and supports are cost-effective and provide a range of services to participants of any age residing in a range of community settings. Individuals on this waiver can receive up to $17,300 a year in services and supports. A case manager is required to support in this process, so each year $1500.00 of the received waiver funds will be used to pay for this service. This waiver is the first point of entry for waiver services and is on a first come-first serve basis, so you will be placed on a waitlist once you have applied. A couple of exceptions may occur in relationship to the first come-first serve basis of the FSW waiver:

Individuals, ages 18-24, can request priority status to begin receiving the FSW waiver upon completion of school.

Individuals who are the child of an active member or veteran of the armed forces can be immediately granted access to the waiver.

Family Supports Waiver (FSW)

This waiver provides access to meaningful and necessary services and supports to persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The services and supports are cost-effective and provide a range of services to participants of any age residing in a range of community settings. Individuals on this waiver can receive up to $17,300 a year in services and supports. A case manager is required to support in this process, so each year $1500.00 of the received waiver funds will be used to pay for this service. This waiver is the first point of entry for waiver services and is on a first come-first serve basis, so you will be placed on a waitlist once you have applied.

Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver (CIH)

The CIH waiver also provides access to services and supports to persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The services and supports are also cost-effective and a range of services are provided to participants of any age residing in a range of community settings. There is not a waitlist for the CIH waiver. Rather, once you qualify for this waiver by meeting one of the criteria listed below, you may start receiving benefits.

CIH does not have one set monetary allowance. It is, however, a needs-based waiver, which means that there is a more specific criterion to meet for eligibility. Currently, the eligibility requirements are as follows: The loss or incapacitation of the primary caregiver, a caregiver over 80 years of age, aging out of foster care or another state children’s residential facility, evidence of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, moving from a group home or nursing home, and extraordinary health and safety risks.

Family and Social Services Administration

The Medicaid Waiver Programs are controlled by the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). The FSSA is a complex system that has 4 divisions:

• Division of Family Resources (FDR)
• Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA)
• Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS)
• Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning (OMPP).

Divisions are then further divided into bureaus. The flow chart on the following page visually illustrates the exact organization of the FSSA, and includes information on the roles of each bureau and division. The chart illustrates which division processes Medicaid Waivers, as well as which offices play other roles that may be useful for you or your child.

The Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS) is just one bureau within the FSSA. They provide services that will allow individuals with developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible within their communities by assisting them in receiving community supports and residential services. BDDS helps to determine what services are needed, who the best providers are for those services, and monitors the quality of care within those services.

• More information on the Medicaid Waiver is available on the FSSA website: www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/2639.htm
• A help line has also been established to answer questions. Email your questions to: QIS.Help@fssa.IN.gov; 800-545-7763×2

You can also get additional information by calling them at their general information phone number, 317-233-4454, or by writing them:

Family and Social Services Administration
P.O. Box 7083; 402 W. Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46207-7083

Future Planning: Trusts

Some government support programs, such as SSI and Medicaid, have a limit on resources or assets. Any inheritance or future investments, such as a college fund, that exceeds $2,000.00 may disqualify your child from most federal assistance. Due to this stipulation, families need to be aware of their options for planning their children’s future.

A trust fund can hold funds for the benefit of a disabled individual, and allows for the use of those funds to provide items and services for that individual to improve their quality of life, without jeopardizing eligibility for public benefits. While SSI and Medicaid are limited to supporting basic needs, a trust fund allows you to pay for things that go beyond.

Below are just a couple of resources within Indiana that can assist you in your future planning. Contact a professional who can help you through this process. Resources are listed below:

MetLife Special Needs Planning

https://blog.metlife.com/insurance/your-special-needs-child/09-12-2017
1-877-638-3375

The ARC of Indiana Master Trust

• www.thearctrust.org
• 317-977-2375
• 800-382-9100