Home and Community-Based Services Waiver programs are based on federal criteria which allow services to be provided in a home or community-based setting for the recipient who would otherwise require institutional care.

Due to the demand for these services, there is a Developmental Disability(DD) Request for Services Registry (RFSR) that lists individuals who meet the Louisiana definition for developmental disability and their request date. This  waiver is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Persons interested in being added to the developmental Disability Request for Services Registry for this waiver should contact their local Regional Office/District/Authority. 

The application process does not begin until a waiver opportunity is available.  At that time, medical and financial determinations are completed simultaneously to validate that the individual has a developmental disability and meets the financial and medical/psychological requirements for institutional care in an ICF/DD.

Through Freedom of Choice, requestors choose their support coordinator and direct service provider(s).

The New Opportunities Waiver (NOW) is only appropriate for those individuals whose health and welfare can be assured via the Comprehensive Plan of Care and for whom home and community-based waiver services represent a least restrictive treatment alternative.

The NOW is intended to provide specific, activity focused services rather than continuous custodial care.

The following are the services provided under the NOW:

• Assistive Devises
• Center-based Respite
• Community Integration and Development
• Day Habilitation and Transportation for Day Habilitation
• Employment Related Training
• Environmental Accessibilities Adaptations
• Inidividualized and Family Support (IFS) Services Day-Night
• One-time Transitional Services
• Personal Emergency Response System
• Professional Services
• Residential Habilitation/Supervised Independent Living
• Skilled Nursing Services
• Specialized Medical Equipment and Supplies as an Extended State  Plan Service
• Substitute Faimly Care
• Supports Employment and Transportation for Supported Employment
• Supported Living

Requestors must meet ICF/DD level of care for medical and/or psychological criteria.  Procedure and requirements are the same as ICF/DD facility determination for admission.

• Age 3 years and older and have a developmental disability  which manifested prior to age 22.  Must meet the Louisiana definition for developmentally disabled
   
• Finances- Income*: Up to 3 times the SSI amount. For children, income of other family members is not considered if the child receives SSI.  Parental income is counted toward minor children for the month of admission only.  The income of the minor and the income of the parent(s) with whom the child lived during that month are counted together.
  
  Resources*: Countable resources cannot be worth more than $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple who needs ICF/DD Level of Care.  For 2007 under Spousal Impoverishment rules, a married couple can have up to $101,640 in countable resources, as long as there is a spouse still living at home.    * The resources limits are subject to change each year.