A Waiver is a provision in the Federal Medicaid guidelines that allows people who meet specific criteria the opportunity to receive services and supports that enable them to live in their community or at home with their families.   There are three types of waivers administered by SCDDSN:  Intellectual Disabilities/Related Disabilities (ID/RD) Waiver, Head and Spinal Cord Injuries (HASCI) Waiver, Community Supports Waiver (CSW) and the Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) Waiver.

Section 1915(c) of the Federal Social Security Act enables the SC Department of Health and Human services to collaborate with the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (SCDDSN) to provide Home and Community-Based Waiver programs.

Waiver participants can receive Medicaid-funded services and supports in their own home and other community settings instead of in a nursing facility or institution.  The cost of Medicaid Waiver services must be less expensive than or equal to the costs of institutional care.

Health and Safety are Priorities

HASCI, ID/RD, CSW and PDD Waiver services are provided based on identified needs of participants & within certain limits.  Enrollment in waivers is based on a limited number of slots available each year.  As a Medicaid applicant/recipient you have the right at any time to request a fair hearing from the SC Department of Health and Human Services regarding a decision affecting Medicaid eligibility or services.

• A person must be informed of the available alternatives covered by the Medicaid Waiver
• A person must be offered a choice between institutional services or home and community-based services
• A person must choose to receive Home and Community Based Medicaid Waiver services
• A person must have the Right to Appeal

Freedom of Choice & Service Providers

You have a CHOICE...

Individuals or families are allowed to choose qualified providers for their services and supports.  These providers are either enrolled with the Department of Health and Human Services or they have met requirements as set forth in the Medicaid waivers.  Federal regulations require that providers or waiver services meet minimum qualifications prior to providing services which are funded by Medicaid.

Richland/Lexington Disabilities and Special Needs Board is committed to helping families utilize the provider of their choice.  Training sessions are offered on a continuing basis to accommodate new providers and to help them to meet waiver requirements.

• Consumers can contact providers to evaluate their service quality and to gather other information to assist them in making an informed choice.

• Consumers can change a provider at anytime if they choose to do so.  They must notify their Service Coordinator or Early Interventionist to ensure appropriate authorization of service.

• You have a CHOICE OF PROVIDERS Consumers can receive a copy of an approved Medicaid Provider list at any time.  You can also choose a provider from SCDDSN's Qualified Provider List (for a list of providers please contact your Service Coordinator.).