IN Medicaid Waiver Myths, Tips, and Tricks

Author– Mary Hamlin, BCSC Transition Coordinator

Parents, how do you do it?  And I mean all of it?   Especially the big step of considering your child an adult!  How do you walk the path of transitioning out of high school with your child as they still struggle to be independent?  I admire each and every one of you. During high school IEP meetings, I see the deer in the headlight look.  I can’t do it for you, but I would like to help you.    

When we meet in high school, I will most likely push you out of your comfort zone.   I will ask you, what will your child’s life look like when they are 30?  I do encourage parents to tell me when enough is enough. You know your child best.   I will use what typical peers are doing to measure your child’s independence. I want all to have complete lives with a purpose, friends, and a sense of belonging in our community.  What if?  Why not?

With that in mind, I want to be able to walk beside you as you begin the path of transition IEPs when your child reaches the age of 14.   As the BCSC Transition Coordinator, my title is my passion.   How do we help our students live life as independently and full as possible?  How do we support them outside of school so they too experience the joys and tribulations of the teenage life stage and beyond?  

I have found that the Medicaid Waiver is an excellent resource for the transition out of high school and before.   It can be accessed as soon as your child is diagnosed with IDD or autism by a doctor. Sooner is better!

Some of the BDDS Medicaid MYTHS I have experienced:

1. “We don’t need that yet.  We got it.” -   NO parent has it all together. We all need support. AND early intervention is the key to opening up our students’ potential. 

 2. “My child won’t be eligible.”- We don’t know that until we try! Ineligible cases are rare that once you have the diagnosis. A few get denied, but there is an appeal process. What do you have to lose? 

 3. “The IEP and school psychological tests determine eligibility” – NOPE. Your child’s doctor confirms the diagnosis.  So, if your child’s doctor doesn’t know about your child’s school’s educational disability determination, SHARE all documentation with her/him.  (IEPs and Psychological tests)

TIPS AND TRICKS:

1.       Apply early - It will take 6-12 months until your child is targeted for the Medicaid Waiver after they apply. Once they are targeted, it will take you another few months to get services in place and another year or so for your family to become comfortable with your team.  PLUS - early intervention is key to future success.   

2.     Call the state BDDS office for an application (812) 282-1040. If your child is a BCSC student, you may contact Mary Hamlin, BCSC Transition Coordinator (ME), and I can help you apply. You can also reach out to Grace Kestler at the Arc of Bartholomew County at 812-372-0610 for assistance. 

 3.      If your contact information changes while you are on the waitlist, contact BDDS and give them your new information. BDDS communicates via snail mail. If you move and don't get your notices from them, then you don't get services and you back to square one and need to reapply. UGH

4.     Make sure you get the COD or Confirmation of Diagnosis submitted properly to your child's doctor. This needs to be signed by an M.D. (licensed physician) or D.O. (Osteopath).

5.  Pick List - What is it?   It’s exactly as it sounds.  It’s a list of service providers for you to “pick” to work with your child. 

 6.     Take time during your waitlist period to ask other families about local case management companies. That will be your first thing you'll need to pick once your child has been approved for a waiver. I would also encourage you to call the providers and “interview” them to see what will work best for your family. 

7.     If your child is in high school, look for acquaintances or friend’s children who are 18 to be DSP (direct support personnel) for your child.  It’s like a paid friend to help them navigate life outside of home during high school years.  Almost all providers will let you bring in your own staff, train them, and pay them!

8.  After a family member is placed on the Medicaid waiver waiting list though the BDDS Office, you can check their status on the waiting list by using the following portal: https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/4328.htm.  

9.  Talk to other parents!!   Learn from each other.  Support one another.  

10.  There is an upcoming discussion about the waiver.  You can register at:  https://www.thearcbc.org/calendar.

11. Reach out to me.   Let me walk with you.   I can help you apply for the Medicaid Waiver at any age.   hamlinm@bcsc.k12.in.us  

Great things are waiting for your children.