The Medicaid Waiver for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder is a home and community-based services waiver. It helps you get services and support in your home and community, rather than an institution.
The
Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) runs this waiver program for Medicaid. This is known as the Operating State Agency (OSA). The OSA focuses on serving the people in the waiver and manages specific waiver services. Your local public school system will provide or arrange for case management services, called service coordination. Your case manager will help you access many of this waiver’s services.
Am I eligible for the Autism Waiver?
You must meet all the medical, technical and financial rules to be eligible for this waiver:
- Medical Eligibility Rules:
- Have an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.
- Need intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF/IID) level of care.
- Be able to live safely in your home and community with these waiver services.
- Technical Eligibility Rules:
- Be at least age 1 and up to the end of the school year when you turn 21.
- Have an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) with at least 15 hours per week of special education and related services.
- Not be in another waiver program at the same time.
- The cost of community-based services must not be more than institutional care.
- Financial Eligibility Rules:
- Based on income and assets of the applicant only.
- Monthly income may not be more than 300% of SSI benefits.
- Countable assets may not be more than $2,000 or $2,500, depending on eligibility category.
The best way to know if you are eligible is to apply. See How to Apply.
What services does the Autism Waiver provide?
You get all Medicaid covered services and benefits. You also may get waiver services that include:
- Adult life planning
- Environmental accessibility adaptations
- Family consultation
- Intensive individual support services
- Residential habilitation
- Respite care
- Therapeutic integration
How to Apply
There is a waitlist for this waiver. Call the Autism Waiver registry at 866-417-3480 to get your name on the waitlist.
Resources
- The Code of Maryland Regulations, COMAR chapter 10.09.56, governs the Autism Waiver.
Contact
For more information:
- Call your child's school and ask to speak to the Autism Waiver Coordinator, or
- Call the Maryland State Department of Education at 410-767-0264.
