The Connecticut Acquired Brain Injury Waiver II (CT ABI Waiver II) is a Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver program authorized under 1915(c) of the Social Security Act. This program empowers the state to provide a range of home and community-based services to Medicaid beneficiaries, helping them live in the community and avoid institutionalization. The CT ABI Waiver II is designed for individuals aged 18 and over with acquired brain injuries. These individuals would otherwise require placement in institutional settings. The waiver program facilitates the relearning, improving, or retaining skills needed for community living. It adopts a person-centered approach to develop comprehensive, appropriate, cost-effective care plans from nineteen home and community-based services. The primary objective is to support personal outcomes that enable individuals to live in their chosen community.
The Department of Social Services (DSS) oversees eligibility for the CT ABI Waiver II. DSS ensures that all individuals receiving waiver services meet categorically and medically needy eligibility, including income and asset requirements. Furthermore, DSS calculates each consumer's share of liability for the cost of waiver services and informs eligible individuals of their due process rights, offering a choice between institutional or home and community-based services. In consultation with the consumer, family, and care providers, case managers develop Plans of Care (POC) tailored to each individual's cognitive, physical, and behavioral support needs.
The CT ABI Waiver II provides comprehensive services to assist participants in various aspects of daily living and community integration. These include cognitive and physical therapy, personal care assistance, vocational training, and support for independent living. The services are delivered in the client's home and community, emphasizing enhancing the participant's ability to live independently. The providers collaborate closely with the consumer and other team members to implement strategies supporting community living.
The comprehensive list of supports and services provided under this waiver includes:
Additionally, the waiver provides information and assistance supporting participant direction as an administrative activity.
Under the CT ABI Waiver II, participants can direct some of their services, which includes choosing their caregivers for certain services and supports. The program outlines specific procedures and support systems for participants who opt for this direction. The Department of Social Services contracts with a fiscal agent to handle provider recruitment, credentialing, and training and conduct random onsite audits of providers to ensure quality and compliance.
While comprehensive, the CT ABI Waiver II may face challenges such as ensuring consistent quality of care across various providers and maintaining the effectiveness of person-centered planning in diverse cases. Ensuring all participants have equal access to the full range of services, especially in rural or underserved areas, could also be challenging.
If you or a loved one has an acquired brain injury and are exploring community living options, the CT ABI Waiver II might be a suitable choice. To understand if you are eligible for compensation under this program, we invite you to fill out this form and explore the possibilities of enhanced support and care.
