The Community Waiver is a Medicaid program in Oklahoma that provides home and community-based services for people with intellectual disabilities. It is designed to help them live as independently as possible in their own homes or other community settings. The Community Waiver is one of the options available for people eligible for Medicaid and needing long-term care services.
The Community Waiver was established in 1988 as the first Home and Community-Based Waiver for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Oklahoma. It serves people three years or older with an intellectual disability or a related condition that causes significant limitations in adaptive functioning. The Community Waiver uses a person-centered planning approach to provide services appropriate to the individual's needs and preferences. The individual's team, which consists of the individual, their legal guardian or advocate, and a Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) case manager, evaluates the care recipient's needs and creates an annual plan of care. The DDS case manager supports and monitors the plan's implementation.
To be eligible for the Community Waiver, an individual must meet the following criteria:
The Community Waiver offers comprehensive services and supports that help individuals live as independently as possible in their own homes or other community settings. Some of the services and supports available under the waiver are:
The Community Waiver has a self-direction option, allowing individuals to choose their providers for some waiver services. This option gives individuals more control and flexibility over their services and supports. Under the self-direction option, individuals can hire their family members as paid caregivers for some residential and employment services. However, spouses and legal guardians are not eligible to be paid caregivers under this option. The self-direction option also requires individuals to have a representative who can assist them with managing their budget and hiring their providers.
If you are interested in determining if you or your loved one qualifies for this program or other Medicaid programs that compensate family caregivers, please complete this form to get started. We will help you navigate the eligibility process and connect you with the best resources.
