# Government Benefits, Waivers & Insurance — IDD Waiver Lois Bakley Ferguson spoke about the Medicaid IDD Waiver. Why is it important? Who qualifies? How do you apply? — *[Lois Ferguson, Oct 2024](/sessions/20241020_Lois_Ferguson_IDD_Waiver/notes.md)* - [CDDO Training Slides (PDF)](/sessions/20241020_Lois_Ferguson_IDD_Waiver/CDDO Training Slides COA 10.20.2024 (2).pdf) - **Contact:** lois.ferguson@jocogov.org | [CDDO](https://www.jocogov.org/department/community-developmental-disabilities-organization) — *[Lois Ferguson, Oct 2024](/sessions/20241020_Lois_Ferguson_IDD_Waiver/notes.md)* - **If you are not signed up for the IDD waiver waiting list, STOP and go sign up now!** - [Contact CDDO](https://www.jocogov.org/department/community-developmental-disabilities-organization/contact-cddo) — *[Lois Ferguson, Oct 2024](/sessions/20241020_Lois_Ferguson_IDD_Waiver/notes.md)* - Or Call 913-826-2600 — *[Lois Ferguson, Oct 2024](/sessions/20241020_Lois_Ferguson_IDD_Waiver/notes.md)* - Or Email Gail Lauri at Gail.Lauri@jocogov.org — *[Lois Ferguson, Oct 2024](/sessions/20241020_Lois_Ferguson_IDD_Waiver/notes.md)* **Why it's called a "Waiver":** - You are getting approval to waive the requirement that Medicaid would otherwise have to provide services in an institution. We are asking for "Home and Community" based services as defined in the 2014 "Settings Rule." — *[Lois Ferguson, Oct 2024](/sessions/20241020_Lois_Ferguson_IDD_Waiver/notes.md)* **Key Points (from [CDDO Training Slides (PDF)](/sessions/20241020_Lois_Ferguson_IDD_Waiver/CDDO Training Slides COA 10.20.2024 (2).pdf)):** - There are **7 waiver programs** in Kansas (Slide 4) — *[Lois Ferguson, Oct 2024](/sessions/20241020_Lois_Ferguson_IDD_Waiver/notes.md)* - **No income requirement** to get on the waiting list — *[Lois Ferguson, Oct 2024](/sessions/20241020_Lois_Ferguson_IDD_Waiver/notes.md)* - [Disabilities waiver: 5-end of life](https://kdads.ks.gov/kdads-commissions/long-term-services-supports/home-community-based-services-(hcbs)-programs/programs/i-dd) — *[Carlye Ehman, Jan 2023](/sessions/20230115_Carlye_Ehman_Waivers/notes.md)* - [To apply for waitlist](https://www.jocogov.org/department/community-developmental-disabilities-organization/intake-and-eligibility) - [Medicaid Waiver sign-up](https://kancare.ks.gov/kancare-ombudsman-office/hcbs-waiver-fact-sheets) — 10 year waiting list in KS. Look for annual opt-in letters. — *[Amy Allison, Jul 2024](/sessions/20240721_Amy_Allison_Farmers_House/notes.md)* **Types of Services (Slide 6 [CDDO Training Slides (PDF)](/sessions/20241020_Lois_Ferguson_IDD_Waiver/CDDO Training Slides COA 10.20.2024 (2).pdf)):** - **Targeted Case Manager (TCM):** Your guide through the process — *[Lois Ferguson, Oct 2024](/sessions/20241020_Lois_Ferguson_IDD_Waiver/notes.md)* - **Personal Care Services:** You find this person yourself; paid through IDD Waiver stipend — *[Lois Ferguson, Oct 2024](/sessions/20241020_Lois_Ferguson_IDD_Waiver/notes.md)* - **Supportive Home Care:** Agency chosen by the state — *[Lois Ferguson, Oct 2024](/sessions/20241020_Lois_Ferguson_IDD_Waiver/notes.md)* **Required Eligibility:** - **IQ test PRIOR to 18th birthday** (federal statute mandate) — *[Lois Ferguson, Oct 2024](/sessions/20241020_Lois_Ferguson_IDD_Waiver/notes.md)* - Amy Allison noted the school system must provide this before 18 (free) — costs $2,500 after - The IDD waiver has a fixed number of spots — *[Lois Ferguson, Oct 2024](/sessions/20241020_Lois_Ferguson_IDD_Waiver/notes.md)* - Your local DDO helps you get on the state-wide waiting list — *[Lois Ferguson, Oct 2024](/sessions/20241020_Lois_Ferguson_IDD_Waiver/notes.md)* - **If you move counties:** register with new DDO but keep your place. **If you move out of state:** you lose your place. — *[Lois Ferguson, Oct 2024](/sessions/20241020_Lois_Ferguson_IDD_Waiver/notes.md)* **When Your Child Turns 18:** - Apply for SSI and SSDI **THEN** apply for Medicaid (call DDO for explanation of why this order matters) — *[Lois Ferguson, Oct 2024](/sessions/20241020_Lois_Ferguson_IDD_Waiver/notes.md)* - **Apply for SSI 1 month before your child turns 18yo.** If denied, automatically appeal — often they won't tell you why until you appeal. See also: [SSI & SSDI details in Category 6](#ssi--ssdi) — *[Stephanie Coleman, Sep 2024](/sessions/20240915_Stephanie_Coleman_KU_LEND/notes.md)* **Exception/Crisis Definitions (Slides 14-15 [CDDO Training Slides (PDF)](/sessions/20241020_Lois_Ferguson_IDD_Waiver/CDDO Training Slides COA 10.20.2024 (2).pdf)):** - Several exceptions allow skipping the waiting list — *[Lois Ferguson, Oct 2024](/sessions/20241020_Lois_Ferguson_IDD_Waiver/notes.md)* - Key exception: "Persons transitioning from Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) which require ongoing support to maintain employment and self-sufficiency" — *[Lois Ferguson, Oct 2024](/sessions/20241020_Lois_Ferguson_IDD_Waiver/notes.md)* - If your VR case manager agrees your child "requires ongoing support," after 45 days of VR they can apply for a Crisis Definition exception - **This is essentially a back door onto the IDD Waiver once your child is 18yo** - **CDDO Contacts:** Slide 23 [CDDO Training Slides (PDF)](/sessions/20241020_Lois_Ferguson_IDD_Waiver/CDDO Training Slides COA 10.20.2024 (2).pdf) - **Common Acronyms:** Slide 24 [CDDO Training Slides (PDF)](/sessions/20241020_Lois_Ferguson_IDD_Waiver/CDDO Training Slides COA 10.20.2024 (2).pdf) - The IDD waiver waiting list is currently approximately **9.5 years** (as of March 2026, processing September 2017 applications) — *[Sarah Otto, Mar 2026](/sessions/20260315_Sarah_Otto_Case_Management/notes.md)* - Apply for each child separately — if you have two children who qualify, submit two applications — *[Sarah Otto, Mar 2026](/sessions/20260315_Sarah_Otto_Case_Management/notes.md)* - Intake requires: birth certificate, Social Security card, IEP (if applicable), medical diagnostics, medication list — *[Sarah Otto, Mar 2026](/sessions/20260315_Sarah_Otto_Case_Management/notes.md)* - Waivers do **not** transfer across state lines — moving to another state means starting over — *[Sarah Otto, Mar 2026](/sessions/20260315_Sarah_Otto_Case_Management/notes.md)* - Medicaid does not allow duplication of services — personal care cannot be billed during day services; caregivers cannot bill during paid employment hours — *[Sarah Otto, Mar 2026](/sessions/20260315_Sarah_Otto_Case_Management/notes.md)* - Day and residential providers may have their own unofficial internal waiting lists beyond the state waiver waitlist — *[Sarah Otto, Mar 2026](/sessions/20260315_Sarah_Otto_Case_Management/notes.md)* - Must get IQ tested by a **healthcare provider** before applying — an IQ test in the school system IS NOT SUFFICIENT — *[Sarah Otto, Mar 2026](/sessions/20260315_Sarah_Otto_Case_Management/notes.md)* - When answering eligibility questions, describe realistic support needs on difficult days, not best-case scenarios — *[Sarah Otto, Mar 2026](/sessions/20260315_Sarah_Otto_Case_Management/notes.md)* - Dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other learning disabilities alone are **not** classified as developmental disabilities under the IDD waiver — *[Sarah Otto, Mar 2026](/sessions/20260315_Sarah_Otto_Case_Management/notes.md)* - **Intellectual Disability (ID) eligibility:** DSM-5 diagnosis by a licensed healthcare professional; substantial functional limitations beginning before age 18; significant sub-average intellectual functioning with deficits in 2+ adaptive skill areas (communication, self-care, safety, etc.) — *[Sarah Otto, Mar 2026](/sessions/20260315_Sarah_Otto_Case_Management/notes.md)* - **Developmental Disability (DD) eligibility:** severe, chronic physical or mental impairment manifesting before age 22; lifelong in nature; substantial functional limitations in 3+ areas of self-care — does not include individuals solely severely emotionally disturbed or with disabilities solely from aging — *[Sarah Otto, Mar 2026](/sessions/20260315_Sarah_Otto_Case_Management/notes.md)* - Even with IQ above 70, you may not qualify for Institutional Services but can still qualify for Home and Community Based Services — *[Sarah Otto, Mar 2026](/sessions/20260315_Sarah_Otto_Case_Management/notes.md)* - No income consideration for the waiver itself (eligibility is based on need), but there is an income consideration for the Medicaid health application — *[Sarah Otto, Mar 2026](/sessions/20260315_Sarah_Otto_Case_Management/notes.md)* - Be aware of "client obligation" or cost-sharing requirements when receiving waiver services — *[Sarah Otto, Mar 2026](/sessions/20260315_Sarah_Otto_Case_Management/notes.md)* **Services available before age 18:** TCM, Personal Care, Overnight Respite, Supportive Home Care, Specialized Medical Care, Assistive Services, Children's Residential Supports — *[Sarah Otto, Mar 2026](/sessions/20260315_Sarah_Otto_Case_Management/notes.md)* **Services available after age 18:** TCM, Personal Care, Overnight Respite, Supportive Home Care, Specialized Medical Care, Day Supports, Adult Residential Supports, Supported Employment — *[Sarah Otto, Mar 2026](/sessions/20260315_Sarah_Otto_Case_Management/notes.md)* --- [Resource index](/llms.txt) · [Full resources page](/resources/) · [Comprehensive guide](/comprehensive-guide.md)