Understanding IDD Systems and Waiver Funding in Lancaster County
Lancaster County Behavioral Health and Developmental Services provide support for individuals with Intellectual Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and other complex medical needs. Learn about the funding sources, clinical eligibility requirements, and the process of opening a record with BHDS to access services. Discover the options for paid services through waiver funding and how to navigate the IDD system for long-term support.
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WAIVER FUNDING, ELIGIBILITY AND THE IDD SYSTEM IN LANCASTER COUNTY Services for individuals with Intellectual Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Children with Medical Complexities Jill M. Martin, Program Planner/Evaluator
ABOUT US Lancaster County Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (BHDS) is comprised of four components: Mental Health Crisis Intervention Early Intervention (birth to three years) Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Lancaster County BHDS 2023 2
IDD SYSTEM FUNDING Our funding comes from Federal, State and local governments. DIAGNOSES Intellectual Disability Autism Spectrum Disorder Medically Complex (under 21 only) CLINICAL ELIGIBILITY Full scale IQ testing and adaptive scores are required in most cases. System overview 11/2023 3
WHY SHOULD I OPEN A RECORD WITH BHDS? Preparing for the future Transitioning out of the school system Service needs beyond what school can provide Working toward independence Out of school and in need of support 2024 4
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Call for an intake (717) 399-7355 Meet with a BHDS intake worker BHDS will assess clinical eligibility based on psychological evaluation Record opened/Support Coordinator (SC) assigned Support Coordinator will work with you to develop an Individual Support Plan (ISP). The ISP will guide decisions about service needs. Lancaster county BHDS IDD system overview 2024 5
FUNDING OPTIONS IF PAID SERVICES ARE NEEDED NOW: WAIVER FUNDING BASE FUNDING Sometimes called the Block Grant State and local funds Small pot of money Best for short term or time- limited needs (camp, respite) Prioritized based on urgency of need Federal and state funds Large pot of money Best for long term needs Extensive regulation and rules to follow (age limits, budget caps, service limits, etc.) Some Waivers may not be immediately available 6
WHAT IS WAIVER FUNDING? Waiver funding is based on the philosophy of serving individuals with long term care needs in their homes and communities instead of in institutional settings. Community based Age Minimum age is three but most enroll after graduation. Some enroll as teens or during school years. Requirement School Waiver funded services cannot replace what school must provide. 7
WAIVER FUNDING WHICH WAIVER? It depends on the service needs of the individual. COMMUNITY LIVING WAIVER Up to $85,000 yearly based on need. PERSON/FAMILY DIRECTED SUPPORTS WAIVER Up to $41,000 yearly based on need. Most graduates can be served with this Waiver. CONSOLIDATED WAIVER No funding cap typically for those requiring residential placement in a group home, Lifesharing or Supportive Living IDD Waiver funding 8
WAIVER APPLICATION PROCESS Program Planners at BHDS and your Support Coordinator will guide you through the application process Assets cannot exceed $8,000 (bank accounts, CDs, savings bonds, retirement accounts, etc.) The County Assistance Office makes the financial eligibility determination, five year look back if over 21 9
WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE? In Home and Community Support Companion Employment Supports Day Programs Transportation Residential Programs Camp Home/Vehicle Adaptations/Assistive Technology Self-direction of services IDD Service overview 10
CONTACT INFO: Lancaster County BHDS IDD Program: Lancaster County Government Center 150 N. Queen Street 5th floor Lancaster, PA 17603 Main number and intake: 717-399-7355 Jill M. Martin, Program Planner/Evaluator MartinJ@lancastercountypa.gov 11
