Rhode Island’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers are integral to providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to live independently within their communities. These programs offer a range of services designed to support daily living, promote social inclusion, and enhance overall quality of life.
Overview of HCBS Waivers in Rhode Island
HCBS Waivers are Medicaid programs that allow states to provide services beyond those typically covered under Medicaid, enabling individuals to receive care in home and community settings rather than institutional environments. In Rhode Island, these waivers are authorized under the state’s Title XIX, Section 1115 demonstration waiver, which was approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for the period from January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2023. The state has since requested a five-year extension of the waiver from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2028. (medicaid.gov)
Key HCBS Waiver Programs in Rhode Island
1. Katie Beckett Program
- Target Population: Children who would otherwise require care in an institution due to medical, developmental, intellectual, or psychiatric conditions.
- Age Range: 0-18 years.
- Income Consideration: Based solely on the child’s income; parental income is not counted.
- Program Type: TEFRA (Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act) program.
- Description: Provides Medicaid coverage, allowing children to access comprehensive home and community-based services through Rhode Island’s Medicaid program.
- Application Process: For information, call a Parent Consultant at (401) 574-8474. Complete the application packet available on the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) website.
- Target Population: All adults and children; provides additional services for children with disabilities or chronic conditions.
- Age Range: All ages.
- Income Consideration: Based on the child’s income via access through TEFRA.
- Waiver Type: 1115 demonstration waiver.
- Description: A replacement program for Rhode Island’s Medicaid program, including home and community-based services such as personal care services, home-based therapeutic services, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), therapies, and respite. Programs include Kids Connect (daycare program), Personal Assistance Services and Supports (PASS), Home-Based Therapeutic Services (HBTS), Home Nursing, and Respite.
- Application Process: Apply online or through the Katie Beckett program. Note: Rhode Island has 164 uncategorized individuals on interest/referral lists. (kidswaivers.org)
- Clinical Eligibility: Individuals must demonstrate a need for long-term services and supports, as determined by a comprehensive assessment.
- Financial Eligibility: Income and resource limits apply, with specific thresholds varying based on the waiver program. For instance, the Global Consumer Choice Compact Waiver has higher income limits compared to traditional Medicaid, making home care more accessible to seniors. As of 2022, individual applicants may earn no more than $30,276 per year, with resource limits up to $4,000. Married couples have income limits of $60,552 per year ($30,276 per spouse) and resource limits up to $8,000. (homecare.org)
- Initial Application: Complete the Department of Human Services Application for Assistance and the supplemental LTSS forms.
- Submission: Apply online through the HealthSource RI portal or download and mail the application to:
- Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS)
- Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS)
- Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals (BHDDH)
- Program Types: Katie Beckett Program and Rhode Island Comprehensive Demonstration (1115 Waiver).
- Eligibility: Based on clinical assessments and financial criteria.
- Application: Online through HealthSource RI or by mail to the Department of Human Services.
- Local Resources: EOHHS, DHS, and BHDDH offices in Cranston, RI.
- Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services, 2023/2024 (eohhs.ri.gov)
- Rhode Island Department of Human Services, 2023/2024 (dhs.ri.gov)
- Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals, 2023/2024 (bhddh.ri.gov)
- HomeCare.org, 2022 (homecare.org)
- Rhode Island Department of State, 2023 (rules.sos.ri.gov)
- Rhode Island Selected for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Demonstration Grant | Governor’s Office, State of Rhode Island11
2. Rhode Island Comprehensive Demonstration (1115 Waiver)
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for HCBS Waivers in Rhode Island, individuals must meet both clinical and financial eligibility requirements:
Application Process
To apply for HCBS Waivers in Rhode Island:
Rhode Island Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 8709
Cranston, RI 02920-8787
Local Resources and Contacts
For assistance and more information on HCBS Waivers in Rhode Island:
– Address: 3 West Road, Cranston, RI 02920
– Phone: (401) 462-5300
– Website: (eohhs.ri.gov)
– Address: 600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920
– Phone: (401) 462-5300
– Website: (dhs.ri.gov)
– Address: 14 Harrington Road, Cranston, RI 02920
– Phone: (401) 462-2000
– Website: (bhddh.ri.gov)
Conclusion
Rhode Island’s HCBS Waivers play a crucial role in supporting individuals with disabilities, offering them the resources and opportunities to live fulfilling lives within their communities. By understanding the available programs, eligibility criteria, and application processes, individuals and families can access the support they need to thrive.