maryland

Maryland’s Autism Waiver

The number of available slots for Maryland's News Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), the Maryland Autism Medicaid Waiver, has been increased from 267 slots to 500 slots in this first year of its implementation. Beginning in July 1, 2002 that number will increase to 750. Another increase up to 900 slots will be effective July 1, 2003. Parents of Children with Autism are encouraged to apply for this waiver by contacting their local school system contact.

Children must be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, defined in the DSM-IV as 299.00 & 299.80; be between the ages of 1 and 21 years old with an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or an Individualized Education Program (IEP), and receiving more than 15 hours per week of special education and related services. Children who meet an ICF-MR (Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded) Level-Of-Care, that is, an institutional level of care, and can be safely maintained in the community through waiver services are eligible for the waiver.

Services available through the waiver are:

Respite Care
Environmental Accessibility Adaptations (eg. locks, plexiglass, fencing)
Family Training
Supported Employment
Residential Habilitation
Day Habilitation
Targeted Case Management Program through the existing regulations COMAR 10.09.52, Service Coordination for Children with Disabilities

Families of waiver participants will be eligible for respite care, environmental modifications to their home, and family training that are not provided through local school systems, early intervention programs, or Medicaid as determined by the Waiver Plan of Care Team. As well, health coverage through Medical Assistance will be available for the child at no cost to the family. Day Habilitation Services will include such services as intensive individual support services provided in the home, at school or in the community, therapeutic integration services, and regular day habilitation.

Local school systems, specialized programs, and early intervention programs that become Medicaid providers will be able to seek reimbursement for some of the specialized services for which they are currently unable to bill. Financial eligibility will be based upon the child’s income and resources and will be determined by the Department of Human Resources. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), the local early intervention programs, and the local school systems will be responsible for administering the waiver. Families should contact their early intervention system, or the Special Education Office in their local school system for the name of the contact person to initiate the eligibility determination process. Further documents relating to the Autism Waiver can be found on the Howard County Autism Society’s web site at: http://members.home.net/ben.dorman/hccasa/waiver/index.html.

One of the missions of Family NET Works is to do needs assessment around critical issues affecting families of children with disabilities in Maryland. We welcome response to any or all of the following questions. Providing contact information for follow-up is optional. Family NET Work's Policy Panel will review the information submitted. The Policy Panel will then determine the need for, and focus of, advocacy around this new waiver.

1. How did you learn about the Autism Waiver?

2. What do you see as the potential benefit of the Maryland Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Autism Waiver?

3. What is your family's greatest area of need at this time?

4. What concerns do you have about the implementation or effectiveness of the Maryland Autism Waiver?

5. Suggestions for improving the implementation or effectiveness of the Autism Waiver

6. Other Comments:

Would you like us to contact you with updates on this issue? If yes, please list your email address or mailing address below:

Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council Link

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