The Missouri Children with Developmental Disabilities Waiver (MOCDD), commonly known as the Sarah Lopez Waiver, plays a crucial role in the healthcare system by extending Medicaid eligibility to children with developmental disabilities. This program allows families to choose home-based care for their eligible children rather than institutional care, granting access to essential services and support.
The primary purpose of the Missouri Children with Developmental Disabilities Waiver is to enable eligible children to receive care and assistance at home, giving families the option to avoid institutional placements for their children. By extending Medicaid eligibility to children who would otherwise qualify for MO HealthNet in an institution, the MOCDD waiver aims to promote family-based care while meeting the unique needs of children with developmental disabilities.
The program targets a specific population of children with developmental disabilities who require ongoing assistance and specialized services to lead fulfilling lives. It offers a range of services, including day habilitation, in-home respite, personal assistance, applied behavior analysis, assistive technology, and more. The MOCDD waiver operates under the administration of the Missouri Department of Mental Health, Division of Developmental Disabilities, in collaboration with the MO HealthNet Division. The overarching goal is to enhance the quality of life for children with developmental disabilities and their families by fostering community inclusion and support.
To qualify for the MOCDD, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the program. Eligibility is determined based on various factors, including income, disability status, age, and residency. The following are the essential requirements:
Meeting these eligibility requirements is a crucial step in accessing the services and supports provided by the MOCDD waiver, enabling families to care for their children with developmental disabilities at home with the necessary assistance and resources.
The Missouri Children with Developmental Disabilities Waiver offers services and supports tailored to meet the unique needs of care recipients and their families. These services aim to enhance the child's quality of life, foster community integration, and provide necessary assistance for families in their caregiving role. The following is a list of the services and supports available under the MOCDD waiver:
The MOCDD does offer compensation for unpaid family caregivers through a self-directed option, meaning that eligible families can hire and pay family members, including parents, to provide caregiving services for the child with developmental disabilities. The self-directed option gives families greater control and flexibility in deciding the care and support their child receives. The MOCDD waiver recognizes their invaluable role in caring for their loved ones by compensating family caregivers. It acknowledges the importance of family-based care in the overall well-being of children with developmental disabilities. This compensation option helps alleviate financial burdens on families while ensuring the child receives quality care within a familiar and supportive environment.
Family caregivers form the backbone of support for children with developmental disabilities under the Missouri Children with Developmental Disabilities Waiver (MOCDD). Their dedication and selflessness deserve recognition and fair compensation. If you are a family caregiver for a child with a developmental disability in Missouri, fill out this form to better understand your eligibility for compensation.
