Ever heard of Katie Beckett? Or PUNS or Waiver Programs? If you are like me, it can be overwhelming and downright confusing. Why do I need to enroll my kiddo in these waiver programs? Do we even qualify? What does it do exactly? Where do I even start?
Did you know there are 4 different types of programs???
1)TEFRA / Katie Beckett programs- started in 1982 Medical Assistance (MA) under the TEFRA option allows MA eligibility for children with disabilities in families with incomes too high to qualify for MA. TEFRA is short for the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act, the federal law that set the rules for this option.
2) 1915(c) HCBS waivers *Most commonly used waivers by states* these are the lists we hear about ‘waiting lists’
3) 1115 demonstration waivers- unique programs designed outside of typical Medicaid requirements. However, they may have more strict guidelines for families that aren’t the traditional Medicaid requirements.
4) state-based programs- most uncommonly used by states. But still worth taking a look at.
I came across this website that offers you the complete guide to viewing state-by-state options of the waiver programs available for you to learn about and decide which is best for your family.
Here it is: https://www.kidswaivers.org/
1.) What is a waiver program? Typically we see this need in our kiddos once they are out of school but it can also apply to families now… Here is how it works:
If your child with a disability is uninsured, needs additional services, or needs wrap-around Medicaid coverage to help with finances and uncovered services, your child probably needs a Medicaid waiver or program. These programs “waive” one or more Medicaid rules in order to extend eligibility and/or services to children. For children, the most common rule to be waived is the way income is calculated, meaning the waiver is based on the child’s income instead of the family’s income.
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