Summary

The purpose of the Adults with Physical and Developmental Disabilities (APDD) waiver is to ensure that Medicaid-eligible individuals aged 21 and older with intellectual or developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, or functional needs associated with aging have the option of remaining in their homes or communities rather than residing in a skilled nursing facility for more than 30 days per year.

This waiver serves approximately 150 individuals annually, providing person-centered home and community-based services and supports. These services are delivered at the amount, frequency, and duration needed to enable participants to live as independently as possible in integrated community settings.

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (Department), the state's single Medicaid Agency, administers the waiver through its Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS) in accordance with federal regulations. Individuals access the waiver through SDS-certified Care Coordinators who help complete initial applications and assist with level of care assessments. These Care Coordinators also support all subsequent waiver renewals and redeterminations. SDS maintains a statewide directory of certified Care Coordinators on its website. All services are provided by SDS-certified Home and Community-Based provider agencies.

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Be age 21 and over.
  2. Have been determined to be Developmentally Disabled through an assessment process conducted by the SDS Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Unit.
  3. Have nursing needs that would otherwise be provided in a nursing facility.
  4. Medicaid eligibility requirements for income and resource limits, as found through an interview and application process with the Division of Public Assistance (DPA).
  5. Level of care requirements, as assessed and determined by the SDS Intake and Assessment Unit. Intake Unit assessors (nurses or other trained professionals) conduct a functional assessment via in person interviews or by using videoconferencing technology.

Services