Together, while partnering with the Mississippi Division of Medicaid, the Office of Special Disability Programs manages the operation of two 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Waiver programs. These programs include: the Independent Living Waiver and the Traumatic Brain Injury/Spinal Cord Injury Waiver. Both programs offer long term services and support to help individuals remain independent in their homes and communities, as an alternative to institutional care in a nursing facility.
To qualify for these programs, individuals must meet the following eligibility requirements*:
- Must require Nursing Facility Level of Care
- Must be medically stable. Medical stability is defined as the absence of (a) an active, life threatening condition (e.g., sepsis, respiratory, or other condition requiring systematic therapeutic measures); (b) IV drip to control or support blood pressure; and (c) intracranial pressure or arterial monitoring.
- Must be Medicaid eligible under one of the following categories: SSI or 300% of SSI, Children up to 185% Federal Poverty level, Foster Children (FC), Adoption Assistance Foster Children (AAFC), Disabled Child Living at Home (DCLH), Working Disabled, Disabled Adult Children
*Additional criteria may apply.
The Independent Living Waiver provides services to individuals with the most severe orthopedic and/or neurological impairments. These conditions include, but are not limited to: stroke, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, amputations, and more. Individuals receiving services through this waiver must also be 16 years of age or older and be able to express their needs, either verbally or nonverbally, to those involved in their care.
The Traumatic Brain Injury/Spinal Cord Injury (TBI/SCI) Waiver provides direct services to individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury/spinal cord injury. Innovative programs are also provided to focus on the awareness and prevention of these conditions.
Services provided through these programs include:
- Case Management – A rehabilitation counselor to help the individual coordinate services and identify resources.
- Attendant Care – An individual of the participant’s choosing to assist them with their activities of daily living.
- Durable Medical Equipment and Specialized Medical Supplies – Assistive devices or supplies to assist the participant with their activities of daily living, including but not limited to, wheelchairs, bath lifts, and adult diapers.
- Environmental Accessibility Adaptations (Home Modifications) – Modifications to the participant’s home to make it easier to access and navigate, including but not limited to, ramps and door widening. Modifications cannot increase the total square footage of the home.
- Transition Assistance – Funds to assist participants who are transitioning from an institutional setting back into the community.
- Respite Care (TBI/SCI Waiver only) – Relief for the participant’s caregiver or in the temporary absence of the caregiver.
For more information, go to the Location Finder or call 1-800-443-1000. To request services, click here.