Summary

The purpose of the People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) waiver ensures that Medicaid-eligible individuals of any age have the option to remain in their homes or communities rather than residing in an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID). Without this waiver, these individuals might need to stay in such facilities for more than 30 days per year.

Currently serving approximately 2,100 individuals annually, the waiver provides person-centered home and community-based services that enable participants to live as independently as possible in integrated community settings. The support levels are tailored to each individual's needs in terms of amount, frequency, and duration.

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services administers the waiver through its Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS). Individuals access the program through SDS-certified Care Coordinators, who help applicants selected from a waitlist complete their initial applications and assist with subsequent renewals. These Care Coordinators, listed on the SDS website, are located throughout Alaska. All services are provided by SDS-certified Home and Community-Based agencies.

Eligibility Requirements

The IDD Waiver is one of two programs in Alaska to offer a choice between home and community-based services and care in an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF/IID).

In order to access this waiver program, a person must meet:

  1. Medicaid eligibility requirements for income and resource limits, as found through an interview and application process with the Division of Public Assistance (DPA), and
  2. Level of care requirements, as assessed and determined by the SDS Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Unit, after being selected for a waiver from the Disability Registry (the “waitlist”).

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Every year, 50 people are pulled from the waitlist and offered an opportunity to apply for the IDD waiver.

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Services