---
date: "2024-10-20"
speaker: "Lois Bakely Ferguson"
organization: "CDDO (Community Developmental Disabilities Organization)"
topic: "Medicaid IDD Waiver"
blurb: "Lois Bakley Ferguson spoke about the Medicaid IDD Waiver. Why is it important? Who qualifies? How do you apply?"
---

# Lois Bakely Ferguson - Medicaid IDD Waiver

**Date:** 2024-10-20  
**Organization:** CDDO (Community Developmental Disabilities Organization)

> Lois Bakley Ferguson spoke about the Medicaid IDD Waiver. Why is it important? Who qualifies? How do you apply?

## Notes from October 20th - Lois Bakely Ferguson - IDD Waiver

**Contact:** lois.ferguson@jocogov.org | [CDDO](https://www.jocogov.org/department/community-developmental-disabilities-organization)

### 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)
- Or Call 913-826-2600
- Or Email Gail Lauri at Gail.Lauri@jocogov.org

### 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."

### Key Points (from slides):
- There are **7 waiver programs** in Kansas (Slide 4)
  - You can get on the **Autism waiver if your child is 0-5yo**. Once on the Autism waiver you will automatically be on the IDD waiver without the 9-year wait
  - **No income requirement** to get on the waiting list
  - Once on the IDD waiver, your child qualifies for Medicaid individually with no income requirement

### Types of Services (Slide 6):
- **Targeted Case Manager (TCM):** Your guide through the process
- **Personal Care Services:** You find this person yourself; paid through IDD Waiver stipend
- **Supportive Home Care:** Agency chosen by the state

### Required Eligibility:
- **IQ test PRIOR to 18th birthday** (federal statute mandate)
  - 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
- Your local DDO helps you get on the state-wide waiting list
- **If you move counties:** register with new DDO but keep your place. **If you move out of state:** you lose your place.

### When Your Child Turns 18:
- Apply for SSI and SSDI **THEN** apply for Medicaid (call DDO for explanation of why this order matters)

### Exception/Crisis Definitions (Slides 14-15):
- Several exceptions allow skipping the waiting list
- Key exception: "Persons transitioning from Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) which require ongoing support to maintain employment and self-sufficiency"
  - 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 | Common Acronyms: Slide 24


## Attachments

- `CDDO Training Slides COA 10.20.2024.pdf` *(download from original Gmail email)*