The Office of
Developmental Programs (ODP) Bureau of Autism Services has posted the draft
of the autism waiver, which will be submitted to the Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services, on its web site. Public comments will be accepted until
February 27 at DPW-AutismOffice@state.pa.us with the subject line "Comments
on Autism Waiver." A copy of the waiver document may be downloaded from
www.dpw.state.pa.us/ServicesPrograms/Autism/News/2008NewsAnnouncements/003677257.htm.
According to the Pennsylvania Health Law Project, the waiver will be amended to include participant directed services which are not currently in the draft document. Individuals who choose to self-direct will be required to use ODP’s new state-wide Vendor/Fiscal Intermediary Service Organization to handle payroll and taxes.
Highlights of the draft waiver application:
- Home and Community Based Services for adults ages 21 and older;
- New waiver for three year period;
- Anticipate serving 100 individuals each year of waiver;
- Services covered to include case management, habilitation, residential and day services, supported employment, respite; and
- Additional services requested are assistive technology, behavioral specialist, community inclusion, community transition, environmental modifications, family counseling and training, job assessment and finding, nutrition counseling, temporary crisis services, transitional work, and occupational and speech/language therapy.
Sharing comments with PCPA would be appreciated. Questions may be directed to PCPA policy specialists Linda Drummond, Connell O’Brien, or Betty Simmonds.
