What is the Early Intervention Medicaid Waiver?

The Early Intervention Medicaid Waiver is a program that provides respite service for families of infants and toddlers with disabilities or medical conditions. The infants and toddlers served by this program are eligible for Medicaid regardless of the family’s income. Only the child’s income is reviewed for eligibility purposes.

Who may need this program?

Infants and toddlers under the age of three who are:

• Currently receiving services from the Nebraska Early Development Network, and
• Have care needs which meet a care level typically provided in a nursing facility.
• This program is designed to prevent out-of-home placement of the child by providing temporary relief to the usual caregiver from the continuous care of an infant or toddler with a disability.

What services may be available through the Early Intervention Waiver Program?

• Respite Care Services – providing temporary supervision, care of the child’s physical needs, and responsibilities related to the child’s developmental and psychological needs.
• Services Coordination

Who may be eligible for this program?

Children under age 3 who:

• Are not served under any other Home and Community-Based Services Waiver
• Live at home
• Are verified for special education and related services
• Participate in Nebraska Early Intervention Services Coordination
• Meet nursing facility level of care criteria (see Frequently-Asked Questions for more details)
• Are eligible for Medicaid

More questions and answers about the Early Intervention Medicaid Waiver

Contact someone who can answer questions about the Early Intervention Medicaid Waiver or to apply for the services

FAQs

What does it mean to “meet nursing facility level of care?”

Nursing facility level of care means your child needs care assistance and services similar to individuals who live in a nursing home. Medicaid Waiver applicants are assessed to see if their needs are the same as those of people who live in a nursing home.

I earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid, but my child has a disability and we could really use the services of the Waiver. Can you help?

There is an exception so that parents’ income is not counted for children served by the Waiver. Contact your local DHHS office to begin the Medicaid application process, and be sure to say you want your child assessed to determine if he qualifies for the Waiver.

Where is respite care provided?

Respite care may be provided in the child’s home or out of the home by a provider of the family’s choice.

How many hours of respite can I get through this program?

The family is allowed up to $100 per month per child for respite care. The family will decide on the provider and negotiate the hourly rate of pay with them. For example, the family and provider may agree upon 10 hours of respite a month at $10 per hour, or 20 hours of respite a month at $5 per hour.

Does a having a private health insurance policy affect my child’s eligibility?

No, your child can still be eligible for the program if your family has private health insurance through a job or another group. The private insurance must be used first and Medicaid pays after your other health insurance has paid.

What types of facilities does the Keys Amendment affect and where can I find a copy of the compliance document?

List of facilities and Keys Amendment compliance

Where can I read the DHHS regulations about the Early Intervention Waiver Program?

Title 480 -- Home and Community-Based Waiver Services and Optional Targeted Case Management Services, Click on Chapter 8 - Early Intervention Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waiver

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