Understanding the Supports Waiver Program
The Supports Waiver Program is a Medicaid-funded initiative designed to provide vital Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) to individuals with developmental disabilities (DD). Approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in July 2020, this program offers flexible support options for individuals currently on the DD Waiver Waitlist, allowing them to access essential services while preserving their place in line for other waivers.
Unlike 24-hour paid support programs, the Supports Waiver complements unpaid supports provided by family members and community networks, empowering participants to live independently and with dignity.
Eligibility Requirements for the Supports Waiver
Medical Eligibility
Participants must meet Level of Care (LOC) criteria, which involves:
- Submission of a completed History and Physical (H&P) form provided by their healthcare practitioner.
- Verification of medical information through the LOC process.
Financial Eligibility
Financial eligibility requires individuals to meet Medicaid-defined income and asset limits, ensuring that services reach those in greatest need. Assistance from a Community Support Coordinator (CSC) or the New Mexico Support Network simplifies the application process, guiding participants through complex paperwork and requirements.
Core Principles of the Supports Waiver
The Supports Waiver Program is built on the following guiding principles:
- Individualized Care Plans: Services are customized to each participant’s unique needs, goals, and preferences.
- Community Integration: Focus on activities and programs that foster social connections and active community participation.
- Self-Determination: Participants are encouraged to make choices about their care, promoting independence and empowerment.
- Safe Practices: The program strictly prohibits the use of restraints or seclusion, ensuring respect and dignity for all
Guiding Principles of the Supports Waiver
The Supports Waiver Program is rooted in person-centered values, ensuring that every participant:
- Has Value and Potential: Individuals are recognized for their abilities, not limitations.
- Is Included in the Community: Participants have the right to live, work, and thrive in the most integrated settings possible.
- Directs Their Care: Services align with individual preferences, strengths, and goals.
Participant Rights Under the Supports Waiver
Every participant is entitled to:
- Choose Living Arrangements: Decide where and with whom they live.
- Access Natural Supports: Leverage family, friends, and community resources.
- Manage Their Providers: Hire, train, supervise, and dismiss service providers as needed.
- Freedom from Coercion: Participants are free from seclusion, restraints, or other restrictive interventions.
- Cultural Competence: Services must respect cultural preferences and be ADA-compliant.
Supports Waiver participants also retain the right to appeal decisions, ensuring transparency and fairness in service delivery.
Prohibition of Restraints and Seclusion
The Supports Waiver prioritizes participant dignity and prohibits the use of:
- Physical Restraints: Forced physical guidance or restriction of movement.
- Seclusion: Isolation of participants as a behavioral control measure.
- Chemical Restraints: Medication used solely to restrict behavior.
Instead, the program mandates the use of person-centered practices and emphasizes positive behavior supports to address challenging behaviors effectively.
How the New Mexico Support Network Can Help
The New Mexico Support Network plays a vital role in assisting individuals and families in navigating the complexities of the Supports Waiver Program. Their expertise includes:
- Application Assistance: Helping participants understand and complete medical and financial eligibility forms.
- Guidance Through the Process: Providing step-by-step support for creating Individual Support Plans (ISPs), developing budgets, and submitting necessary documents.
- Community Support Coordinator Access: Connecting participants with qualified CSCs who can advocate for their needs and preferences.
- Workshops and Training: Offering informational sessions and resources on the waiver’s benefits, participant rights, and person-centered practices.
With a focus on ensuring that participants understand their rights and make informed choices, the New Mexico Support Network is an essential ally for navigating this program.
Why the Supports Waiver Matters
The Supports Waiver is more than a set of services; it is a commitment to empowering individuals with developmental disabilities. By emphasizing person-centered planning, respecting individual rights, and ensuring access to critical services, the program fosters independence, inclusion, and a higher quality of life for participants.
How to Apply for the Supports Waiver
Getting started with the Supports Waiver involves these steps:
- Contact Local Medicaid or Developmental Disability Services: Reach out to your state’s Medicaid agency to begin the application process.
- Complete an Assessment: Provide medical and financial documentation to verify eligibility.
- Develop an Individual Support Plan (ISP): Work with a care coordinator to identify goals and services that align with the participant’s needs. Visit New Mexico Support Network
Additional Resources for the Supports Waiver
The Supports Waiver Program is an invaluable resource for individuals with developmental disabilities, offering a pathway to greater independence and community engagement. For more information:
External References
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
- National Disability Rights Network
- Visit the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) page.
