Indiana Waiver Changes Are Coming BY DAROLYN “LYN” JONES AND TENDRA DUFF
Introduction
The following article is a synopsis of critical information from the Ask the Arc Webinar Series titled “Waiver Transition and Redesign Update” with Director of Arc Advocacy Karly Sciortino-Poulter and Cathy Robinson, Associate Director of the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS). In this webinar, Robinson explained how the end of the Covid public health emergency (PHE) impacts flexibilities to the Indiana Medicaid Waivers enacted during the PHE and also discusses changes and updates to the Aged and Disabled (A&D) waiver, and administrative reclassification of the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) waiver. You can watch the entire webinar, “Waiver Transition and Redesign Update” at https/www.youtube. com/watch?v=3ciedI6Lwk4. If you want more general information about the Indiana Medicaid Waivers, you can learn more about what those waivers are, who qualifies, and how to apply here: https/insource.org/files/pages/0093Medicaid_Waiver_Guide_2013.pdf In Indiana, the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services, or DDRS, is under the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). The DDRS oversees the Bureau of Disability Services (BDS), Vocational Rehab Services, and First Steps, among other disability services. Learn more about the DDRS and its programs and services here https/www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/ Public Health Emergency (PHE) Ends
In January of 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government declared a public health emergency (PHE), which 16
December 2023
allowed for critical services, including free Covid home tests, telemedicine, and flexibility for Medicaid Waiver services. The PHE officially ended May 11, 2023. Some emergency services, such as free Covid home tests, ended immediately. States have six months, or until November 11, 2023, to transition out of other changes made during the PHE. The transition process is informed by what the state has learned during the PHE and from listening to families and individuals who receive those services. The end date was determined by the federal government.
During the PHE, a limited time flexibility was granted to parents and legal guardians of minor dependent children enrolled in the: • Family Support Waiver (FSW) • Community Integration and Habitation (CIH) waiver. The parent/guardian could be compensated for support provided to their dependent for up to 30 days when the minor child or their direct support professional had tested positive for COVID-19.
