LA Residential Options Waiver

Louisiana's Residential Options Waiver is designed to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in transition from Intermediate Care Facilities to independent living in the community. This Medicaid program addresses the need for comprehensive support and services.

Overview of Louisiana's Residential Options Waiver

Louisiana's Residential Options Waiver is a vital Medicaid program established to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) transitioning from Intermediate Care Facilities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ICD/IDD) to living independently within their communities. The program aims to empower participants by providing comprehensive support and services that cater to their unique needs.

Eligibility for the Residential Options Waiver is based on individuals' eligibility to receive waiver services from the Louisiana Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD). The program targets individuals of all ages, acknowledging that IDD can affect people across the lifespan. It operates as a capped waiver, wherein each participant's annual budget is determined according to a thorough Inventory for Client and Agency Planning (ICAP) assessment, which assesses their support needs.

The core objectives of the Residential Options Waiver revolve around promoting community integration, enhancing individuals' independence and self-determination, and providing an alternative to institutionalized care. The program seeks to foster a higher quality of life, increased social inclusion, and improved overall well-being by enabling participants to live in their own homes and communities. Moreover, the program recognizes the significance of family caregivers in this process, and its goals include supporting and acknowledging their pivotal role in caring for their loved ones.

Eligibility Requirements for Louisiana's Residential Options Waiver (ROW)

To be eligible for Louisiana's Residential Options Waiver (ROW), an individual must meet several criteria outlined below:

1. Louisiana Medicaid Eligibility: The individual must meet the eligibility requirements for Louisiana Medicaid.
2. Developmental Disability Definition: The individual must meet the Louisiana definition for developmental disability, which means the disability manifested before the age of 22.
3. OCDD Statement of Approval: The individual must possess a Statement of Approval (SOA) from the Louisiana Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD).
4. Level of Care Criteria: The individual must meet the Level of Care criteria for Intermediate Care Facility-Intellectual Disability (ICF-ID).

ROW waiver opportunities are offered based on the following priority groups criteria:

• Priority for a one-time transition into the ROW will be given to Group 1, which includes individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who currently receive services through OAAS Community Choices Waiver (CCW) or Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) Waiver programs and have an approved OCDD Statement.
• Group 2 includes individuals residing at Pinecrest Supports and Services Center or in a previously publicly operated ICF-ID that has been transitioned to a private ICF-ID through a cooperative endeavor agreement or their alternates.
• Individuals on the OCDD registry with the earliest registry date and the highest level of need are included in Group 3.
• Finally, Group 4 contains persons residing in a Medicaid-enrolled ICF/ID who voluntarily wish to transition to a home and community-based residential services waiver through an ICF/ID bed conversion process.

Financial and Non-Financial Medicaid Eligibility Criteria: The individual must meet financial eligibility by having an income equal to 300% of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Federal Benefit Rate (FBR). Additionally, they must meet non-financial criteria such as U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status and Louisiana residency.

To remain eligible for ROW services, a recipient must receive Support Coordination and a Residential waiver service every thirty days. Meeting these eligibility requirements allows individuals to access the crucial supports and services provided by the Residential Options Waiver, enabling them to transition from care facilities to living in their homes and communities.

Services and Supports under Louisiana's Residential Options Waiver

The Residential Options Waiver (ROW) in Louisiana offers comprehensive services and supports designed to cater to the diverse needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) transitioning from care facilities to living in their homes and communities. These services include:

1. Support Coordination: Assistance in developing and implementing an individualized plan to access necessary services and support.
2. Community Living Supports (CLS): Assistance with various daily living activities to promote independence and community integration.
3. Host Home: Individuals with IDD live with a host family who provides support and care.
4. Companion Care: Companionship and support services to enhance social engagement and reduce isolation.
5. Shared Living: Individuals with IDD reside with a roommate or family, fostering a supportive living environment.
6. Center-Based Respite Care-Out of Home: Temporary care provided outside the home to give caregivers a break.
7. Personal Emergency Response System: A device that allows individuals to call for help during emergencies.
8. One-Time Transition Services (TEPA): Services to facilitate the transition from a care facility to community living.
9. Environmental Accessibility Adaptations: Modifications to homes for accessibility and safety.
10. Assistive Technology/Specialized Medical Equipment and Supplies: Devices to aid individuals in daily activities.
11. Transportation-Community Access: Support with transportation for community participation.
12. Professional Services: Various professional services to address specific needs.
13. Nursing Services: Medical care and assistance as required.
14. Dental Services: Dental care to maintain oral health.
15. Supported Employment: Assistance in finding and maintaining suitable employment.
16. Prevocational Services: Training and skill-building for future employment opportunities.
17. Day Habilitation: Structured activities and learning opportunities to enhance skills.
18. Housing Stabilization Service: Assistance in finding and maintaining suitable housing.
19. Housing Stabilization Transition Services: Services to support transitioning to independent housing.
20. Adult Day Health Care (ADHC): Health and support services provided during the day.

These services are tailored to meet each care recipient's unique needs and preferences, allowing them to lead fulfilling lives within their communities while receiving the necessary support to thrive. The Residential Options Waiver's extensive services aim to enhance participants' quality of life, promote independence, and foster social inclusion and overall well-being.

Compensation for Family Caregivers

Under the Residential Options Waiver (ROW) in Louisiana, unpaid family caregivers can receive compensation for their caregiving services through the program's self-directed option. This innovative feature allows participants to choose and hire their family members as caregivers.

The self-directed option enables families to receive financial support for the care they provide to their loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) while residing in the community. By recognizing the invaluable role of family caregivers, the ROW waiver empowers families to actively participate in their loved ones' care actively, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment that enhances the individual's well-being and community integration.

A note from Givers

If you are a family caregiver in Louisiana, take the first step toward determining your eligibility for compensation by filling out this form. Your dedication deserves acknowledgment; we're here to help make that happen.