- What Programs Are Available To Assist People With Disabilities in Nebraska?
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Is there a Medicaid waiver program in Nebraska? Nebraska has several waivers including:
- HCBS for Aged and Adults and Children with Disabilities;
- HCBS Waiver for Children with DD and their Families;
- TBI;
- Community Supports HCBS Waiver for Adults with ID/DD;
- Autism;
- Day Services Waiver for Adults with DD;
- Comprehensive DD Waiver for Adults
- Aged & Disabled Waiver
What state department handles the Medicaid waiver program in Nebraska? Within the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, "Home and Community Services" provides support for persons with disabilities.
What programs assist people who have developmental disabilities in Nebraska? Programs available to assist persons with developmental disabilities include: Social Services for Aged and Disabled Adults program; The Autism Waiver; Disabled Children's Program; What is Disabled Persons and Family Support; Lifespan Respite Subsidy Program; and Medically Handicapped Children's Program.
What is the best number to call to get started? (800) 358-8802
Is there a website? http://dhhs.ne.gov and
http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/hcs.aspx - Who Qualifies For Assistance?
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What is considered a developmental disability in Nebraska? A Developmental Disability is a severe, chronic disability that is attributable to a mental or physical impairment other than a mental or physical impairment caused solely by mental illness.
How old do you have to be to start receiving services in Nebraska? This varies by program, but both young children and adults may qualify for services.
- Is There a Waiting List For Services?
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How long is the waiting list in Nebraska? You can expect to wait about two years before receiving waiver services in Nebraska, but it varies by age and program.
How many people are on the waiting list in Nebraska? There are about 3000 people waiting for services in Nebraska.
How many people are currently receiving services in Nebraska? There are about 5,000 people with disabilities receiving waiver services in Nebraska.
What assistance is available while you wait? There may be emergency services available if you are on the waiting list.
Is there priority preference for people who are in crisis in Nebraska? People who are in crisis may be eligible for "Priority Status", and get onto the waiver faster.
- What Services Are Offered & What Are The Service Limitations?
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What services does the Medicaid waiver program offer? Individuals receiving waiver services are provided with a budget to purchase services. Services available include: Service Coordination; Respite, Independence Skills Building ; Adult Day Services; Home-Delivered and Congregate Meals; Vocational Planning; Residential Services; Attendant/personal care; Home health care; Housekeeping; Transportation; Special equipment; and Home modifications. Services vary by waiver.
Does Nebraska offer community group homes? Nebraska offers Residential Habilitation Services. An example of Residential Habilitation is "Group Homes". Another option is "Extended Family Home Residential Services. / EFH's" These are residential services provided in a family home under subcontract by a certified DD agency. Regardless of the residential option selected, room and board is paid for by the individual.
Does Nebraska offer supported living? When people live alone or with roommates, the service provided is call Independent Support Options, also know as supported residential services. These services are provided in a home that is not owned or operated by a certified DD operator. The home is controlled by the individual living there.
Are there still state owned institutions in Nebraska? Nebraska has one large state facility housing 175 Americans. Beatrice State Developmental Center has served people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, and related conditions since 1887.
- How Do You Select A Provider?
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Do providers work for the state of Nebraska? Service providers are not State of Nebraska or DHHS employees. Rather, they work for the individual, and are paid by DHHS on behalf of the individual.
About how many providers are there in Nebraska? There are about 100 community support providers in Nebraska.
Do you have a choice in providers in Nebraska? Clients shall locate their own providers. The Department may refer eligible clients to community resources with expertise in the appropriate area.
- How Do You Become A Provider?
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To become a provider in Nebraska, you must contact a resource developer by service age and region. To be approved by the Department as a provider under this program, each provider shall meet any applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. For more information go to: http://dhhs.ne.gov/Medicaid/Pages/Provider-Screening-and-Enrollment.aspx
All newly enrolling, reenrolling, and reactivating institutional providers, including providers enrolled as groups, are required to pay an application fee. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) determines what the application fee is each year. The fee for 2012 was $523. - Additional Information
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First, a person must qualify for a program that offers a particular service. Each program has its requirements. Persons who qualify for a program are also called “clients.” Not all services are available through all programs. A client partners with a Services Coordinator or a Social Services worker to get the services s/he needs. They will assess the client’s needs and determine if the client is eligible for a service/program.