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Waiver Overview: Kentucky has a bunch of medicaid waivers but we are just going to focus on the two waivers that apply to children with autism. You can view a full overview of Kentucky’s waivers form the Division of Community Alternatives here.
Waiver #1: Michelle P. Waiver (MPW)
Who can apply?
Circumstance/Diagnosis: Any children and adults of all ages who are diagnosed with either an intellectual and/or developmental disability (this includes autism). The state requires that individuals need an intermediate care facility level of care to qualify. There is a technical definition for this but it really just means that the individual is unable to get through their day without a lot of supervision.
Income: You are required to have or be eligible for medicaid. Most states disregard family income and only consider child income when a disability is present. You can find out more about applying for medicaid here.
Waiver #2: Supports for Community Living
Who can apply?
Same eligibility requirements as above.
What do I get with these waivers?
The full list of services that are available through these waivers are:
Adult Day Health Care, Case Management, Community Access Services, Community Guide Services, Community Transition Services, Consultative Clinical and Therapeutic Service, Day Training, Environmental Accessibility Adaptation Services, Goods and Services, Natural Supports Training, Person-Centered Coaching, Personal Assistance Services, Positive Behavior Supports, Residential Support Services, Respite, Shared Living, Specialized Medical Equipment and Supplies, Supported Employment, Transportation Services, Vehicle Adaptation Services
But even official websites don’t distinguish between which services are unique to which waiver. In general, it seems as though they provide the same services but the Supports for Community Living provides additional services related to housing.
How do I apply for these waivers?
Please contact the Department for Medicaid Services at (844) 784-5614 before applying.
You can apply online through this link or you can apply in person at an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or Community Mental Health Center (CMHC).
What does the Goally Team Think?
You have to wait at least 5 years to get services in Kentucky. No parent should have to wait that long to get the services they need for their child. Kentucky has a fantastic, well organized website, but does little to impress beyond that. They need to add more spots on their waivers, but it seems as though the positive changes they make have only been incremental at around 200 spots every few years.
Goally Waiver Scorecard
Website clarity and ease of navigation: 4/5
Access and requirements of qualification: 1/5
Healthcare coverage: 3/5
Other online resources for Kentucky:
A list of local parent support groups in Kentucky
Kentucky Autism Training Center provides parents supports, information, and services.
The ARC of Kentucky can help you with everything from advocacy to employment.
Telephone Resources
MH/IDD Community Services Branch can help you with questions about the waiver process and we recommend talking with them -- (502) 564-1647