FAQS

How can I get to see a doctor about medications? What are Psychiatric Services? What services do PSU Staff provide? When is a doctor available? What does a mental health case manager do? I have questions and concerns about my baby’s development. What are “Waiver” Services and how do they pertain to people with mental retardation?

Virginia participates in the Medicaid program, which is a public insurance program for low income and/or disabled individuals.  Medicaid is funded with about 50% federal money and 50% state appropriations.  Federal Medicaid regulations require that states participating in the program provide certain services as entitlements.  Theses services include hospital care, physician services, and institutions for persons with mental retardation.  The number of people who can be eligible to receive Medicaid can not be capped, although the level of services can be regulated.

In the 1980’s the federal government developed the Medicaid Home and Community Based Waiver as an alternative to institutions and nursing home care.  The waiver “waives” the requirement that certain services (such as training and nursing services) be provided in a nursing home or institution.  It permits the services to be provided in the community.  Virginia has Waivers for people with mental retardation, development disabilities, or AIDS; or who are elderly, disabled or technology dependent.  Virginia’s Waiver services include group homes, supported employment, day support, respite and home health services.  One of the differences between traditional Medicaid and the Medicaid Waiver is that the Waiver is not an entitlement and states can cap the number of individuals served.  Virginia determines how many new slots will be made available each year. With the addition of 700 Waiver slots and 300 Day Support Waiver slots over the past two years, Virginia now has a little over 6000 slots.

There is currently a waiting list for individuals needing to be placed on Medicaid Waiver because there are more people who choose community-based services over institutional care than there are available slots.  The current waiting list consists of over 2000 individuals on the Urgent Needs (need services immediately) and many more on the Non-Urgent Needs (needs services within 30 days) waiting list. Virginia ranks 48th in the nation in per capita spending for services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

If you feel that you are eligible for Waiver services, please contact the Community Support Unit of RACS.

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