Medicaid is a program of the federal government that provides support for certain individuals who meet Medicaid eligibility requirements. The Medicaid program is administered at the federal level by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The Perry County Board of Developmental Disabilities has local Medicaid administrative responsibilities to assist individuals with developmental disabilities.
The Perry County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides and authorizes services to many individuals who are Medicaid eligible because of limited income and assets due to their disability. Service and Support Administrators (SSA) assist individuals and families with the application process to become Medicaid eligible.
People who are Medicaid eligible might live in an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID), which is funded with federal Medicaid dollars and matched with state dollars. If you are interested in an ICF/IID, a member of the SSA Department can discuss your options with you. Information on ICF Options can also be found at:
DODD Online ICF Search Tool: Click here
DODD Electronic ICF Informational Booklet: Click here
An alternative to the ICF/IID program is the Medicaid Waiver program. Based on need, some people have the Individual Options Waiver (IO), some have the Level 1 Waiver, and some have the Self-Empowered Life Funding (SELF) Waiver. There are a limited number of waivers that are available, so a waiver waiting list with an assessment process has been established. Generally, federal funds represent about 60% of waiver costs and state and/or local “match” funds represent approximately 40%. Each Waiver contains a different service package that can be explained by the SSA Department. This information is also located on the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities website.
Those who are supported with the IO waiver are assigned a funding range based upon their needs. This funding range is determined by a state designed assessment called the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Profile (ODDP). Once the ODDP is completed and the funding range established, an Individual Service Plan (ISP) is developed with the individual, his or her guardian, or other representatives and the SSA. All services are based on assessed need, and alternative services and resources are investigated prior to authorization of waiver funds. Once the ISP is approved, it is then implemented and services are provided. Funds to pay for the services are authorized and paid to providers consistent with the plan and funding range. On rare occasions, individuals may request services that would exceed the funding range. This must go through a special review process called “prior authorization.”
The Level 1 Waiver is also an option for some individuals. This waiver does not include the assessment with the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Profile (ODDP) because it has a funding maximum or cap for most residential services which is fixed. Other support such as emergency services and adaptive equipment can exceed this funding cap in certain circumstances. Funds to pay for the services are authorized and paid to providers consistent with the individual service plan. This waiver is ideal for someone who has additional supports in their life and needs minimal assistance from the waiver.
The Self Empowered Life Funding (SELF) Waiver is also administered by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities with support from County Boards of Developmental Disabilities. This waiver has different services and funding that can be explained by the SSA Department at 740-342-3542.
When a person has a Medicaid Waiver, he or she is also eligible to receive a Medicaid card. When one has a Medicaid card, he or she is eligible for Medicaid coverage for certain medical expenses, such as doctor’s visits, hospital services, and medications.
Recognizing that Medicaid policy or rules may change, Medicaid questions should be directed to the Service and Support Administration Department at 740-342-3542 for the most up to date information.
