In 1993, South Carolina established the Head and Spinal Cord Injury (HASCI) Division within the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs to address the needs of individuals with severe chronic limitations, such as head and spinal cord injuries. The HASCI Waiver program, funded by Medicaid, aims to prevent institutionalization by providing home and community-based services.
The Head and Spinal Cord Injury Waiver in South Carolina is a Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) program that supports and assists individuals with severe chronic limitations resulting from head or spinal cord injuries or similar disabilities. Established in 1993, this waiver seeks to prevent institutionalization by offering services that enable eligible participants to remain in their homes and communities while receiving the necessary care and support.
The primary purpose of the HASCI Waiver is to improve the quality of life for individuals with significant physical impairments, ensuring they have access to essential services and resources. By focusing on home and community-based care, the program strives to enhance its participants' independence, self-direction, and economic self-sufficiency.
The waiver program operates under the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs in collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS). It is governed by Section 1915(c) of the federal Medicaid Act, which allows states to use Medicaid funds to support services not covered under the traditional Medicaid State Plan.
Through individualized plans of service, the HASCI Waiver aims to provide a combination and sequence of interdisciplinary or generic care, treatment, and other services tailored to the unique needs of each participant. By offering a comprehensive range of support, the waiver intends to promote meaningful and fulfilling lives for people with head and spinal cord injuries while easing the burden on family caregivers who play a vital role in their care.
To qualify for the HASCI Waiver program, individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria set forth by the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (SCDDSN). Here are the requirements for eligibility:
The HASCI Waiver is the last payer after all other funding and resources available to the individual. Additionally, individuals may qualify for Reserved Capacity, which offers priority enrollment for those facing serious and imminent harm, institutional transitions, or specific life circumstances such as foster care or military families.
The allocation of HASCI Waiver slots is managed by the Head and Spinal Cord Injury Division, and a limited number of participant slots are available each year. Placement on the HASCI Waiver Priority List is based on the date of referral, and individuals remain on the list until they receive a slot or meet the criteria for removal.
The HASCI Waiver program is crucial in providing much-needed support to those with severe chronic limitations. It enables them to lead fulfilling lives in their communities while receiving the required care and assistance.
The HASCI Waiver program in South Carolina offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to the individual needs of participants with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), or Similar Disabilities (SD). These services aim to enable participants to lead fulfilling lives in their homes and communities while receiving necessary care and assistance. The following is a list of services and supports available under the HASCI Waiver:
One notable feature of the HASCI Waiver includes specialized healthcare services, home and community-based services (HCBS), assistive technologies, and personalized support. These services are essential in promoting independence, improving quality of life, and ensuring that participants can receive the care and assistance they need in the comfort of their homes and communities. With an emphasis on individualized planning and coordination, the HASCI Waiver recognizes the unique needs of each participant and aims to provide the necessary resources to meet those needs effectively.
The HASCI Waiver in South Carolina does offer compensation for unpaid family caregivers through a self-directed option. Under this waiver program, eligible participants can choose a self-directed approach, allowing them to hire and manage their caregivers, including family members, meaning that family caregivers can receive financial compensation for the care and support they provide to their loved ones with TBI, SCI, or Similar Disabilities. The self-directed option empowers caregivers to have more control over the care their loved ones receive while receiving fair compensation for their essential role in the healthcare system. This recognition and support for family caregivers are vital in acknowledging their invaluable contribution to their family member's well-being and quality of life.
Family caregivers are the heart and soul of our healthcare system, providing invaluable care and support to their loved ones with severe limitations. If you are a caregiver in South Carolina, fill out this form to determine if you may be eligible for caregiver compensation.
