WV Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities Waiver

The Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Waiver program is a cornerstone in West Virginia's healthcare landscape, championing the cause of individuals with disabilities and their families.

Overview of the Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Waiver

In West Virginia, the IDDW program encompasses comprehensive services designed to nurture growth and foster self-sufficiency among children and adults with disabilities. Its essence lies in its commitment to teaching, training, supporting, guiding, and assisting members in reaching their utmost potential in life. By providing these services within the familiar confines of their homes and local communities, the program transcends the traditional institutionalized care model, affirming that individuals can flourish best when surrounded by the environments they know and love.

Formerly known as the MR/DD Waiver program, the IDDW has dynamically evolved to cater to the unique needs of its beneficiaries. One of the most significant shifts has been the shift away from confining care within Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID). This transition is pivotal, reflecting a paradigm shift towards inclusion and personalized support, a departure from the erstwhile approach of confinement and separation.

Eligibility Requirements

To access the support offered by the Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Waiver (IDDW) program, individuals and families must meet specific eligibility criteria. These criteria have been carefully crafted to ensure that the program's resources are directed toward those who require it the most. The IDDW program extends its reach to West Virginia residents, embodying a commitment to fostering growth and independence within the local community.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Age: Applicants must be at least three years of age, reflecting the program's focus on catering to children and adults' needs.
2. Residency: Residency in West Virginia is a fundamental requirement. The applicant should be a state resident when submitting the application form and be able to substantiate their residency through appropriate documentation.
3. Diagnosis: Individuals seeking access to the IDDW program must have a diagnosis of intellectual disability and/or a similar condition of severity that manifested before age 22. This stipulation underscores the program's dedication to early intervention and lifelong support.
4. Functional Difficulties: Applicants should demonstrate challenges in a minimum of three out of six specified areas: (1) Self-care, (2) Language and communication, (3) Learning, (4) Independent mobility, (5) Decision-making ability, (6) Independent living skills.‍
5. Financial Eligibility: Prospective members must fulfill financial eligibility criteria determined by the local West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services Office. This requirement ensures that the program's benefits are accessible to those who most require financial assistance.‍
6. Preference for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): Individuals should express their preference for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) over care provided in facilities like Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IIDs). This choice aligns with the program's ethos of fostering independence within familiar and community-based settings.‍
7. Safe Environment: The applicant should be capable of providing a safe working environment for IDDW program staff who deliver services in their home. This factor guarantees the service providers' and beneficiaries' safety and well-being.

Individuals already functioning as paid caregivers in another waiver program or the Medicaid Personal Care Services program are ineligible for participation in the IDDW program.

Ongoing Review: Financial eligibility undergoes periodic evaluation, at least annually or more frequently in case of income changes. Additionally, the medical eligibility of members is reviewed annually through interviews facilitated by the utilization management contractor (UMC). These reviews ensure that the program remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of its members.

Services and Supports

The Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Waiver (IDDW) program extends a comprehensive array of waiver services tailored to empower individuals with disabilities in West Virginia to lead fulfilling lives marked by independence and dignity. These services encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from specialized therapies to personalized assistance, all within the backdrop of fostering growth within familiar community settings.

Services and Supports Offered:

1. Behavior Management Assistance: Tailored strategies to manage behavior, ensuring a supportive environment for individuals with disabilities.
2. Case Management: Coordinated oversight of the care recipient's care journey, ensuring a seamless integration of services and responsive support.
3. Person-Centered Support: Services designed around each member's unique needs and aspirations, fostering self-directed growth.
4. Crisis Services: Swift intervention and support during challenging times, ensuring the safety and well-being of program participants.
5. Electronic Monitoring: Technological aids that enhance safety and facilitate communication, bolstering the overall care experience.
6. Extended Professional Services: A range of therapies aimed at enhancing various aspects of well-being, including: physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, dietary therapy.

1. Daytime Care Facility: Structured care provided in a facility during the day, offering respite for caregivers and engagement for members.
2. Skilled Nursing Services: Registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide professional nursing care, ensuring medical needs are met.
3. Employment Support: Services tailored to enhance job readiness, development, and continued support during employment.
4. Respite Assistance: Vital support that grants the primary caregiver a much-needed break through respite care, enabling them to recharge while ensuring continuous care for the member.
5. Home and Vehicle Modifications: Adaptations to homes and vehicles to facilitate ease of mobility and daily functioning.
6. Transportation Services: Support with transportation to and from services outlined in the member's care plan, enhancing accessibility.

Flexible Care Options:

The IDDW program recognizes that individuals have diverse preferences and needs. Members can opt for care through a regular IDDW agency, which provides dedicated employees for their support. Alternatively, individuals can self-direct some services, directly employing caregivers. This flexible approach empowers members to choose a care model that aligns with their unique circumstances and priorities.

As we delve into the heart of the services and supports offered by the IDDW program, it becomes evident that it transcends mere assistance, a testament to the transformative potential of tailored care. This program, with its diverse offerings, not only nurtures the growth of individuals with disabilities but also underscores the critical role of caregivers, ensuring that their contributions are valued and supported within healthcare.

Compensation for Caregivers

The Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Waiver (IDDW) program recognizes family caregivers' vital role in the lives of individuals with disabilities. As such, the program offers a self-directed option. This self-direction empowers individuals to have more control over the services they receive and who provides them. Through this model, program participants can choose to hire and manage their caregivers directly, offering an avenue for some form of compensation to family caregivers. However, it's important to consult the most current information and guidelines from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services to understand the specifics of caregiver compensation under the IDDW program.

Learn more about Medicaid self-directed care >>

A note from Givers

The IDDW program's unwavering commitment to individuals with disabilities is commendable. Let's recognize caregivers' value too. Check your eligibility for caregiver compensation. Your journey matters.