Community-based Waivers from DBHDD
How to apply for the NOW/COMP Waiver
Parent Info for Students with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) who are Exiting/Graduating from High School Within the Next 2 Years
Transition to Life after High School-
- The purpose of transitioning planning is to assist youth who are receiving special education services and their families in planning life goals after high school.
- The transition planning process should include the identification of agencies that may provide or pay for transition services.
- This flyer is sharing information about DBHDD's community-based waivers- NOW & COMP.
- With permission from parent, the school team can invite the agency to be a part of transition planning which is part of the student's Individual Education Program (IEP).
- Parents of students with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) may also learn about these agencies through workshops.
- Parents are encouraged to apply for these community-based waivers prior to their student graduating or exiting from High School.
- For more information on Transition to Life after High School, parents may contact their student's special education teacher, the school district's parent mentor or Parent to Parent of GA, www.p2pga.org
Information about the Community-based Waivers from DBHDD
The Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disability (DBHDD)
- DBHDD's Dept of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) supports people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and provides them with opportunities to live independently and in the most integrated setting possible.
- To be eligible for services, a person must have an intellectual disability—or a closely related developmental disability, such as severe autism, cerebral palsy, or epilepsy—that substantially impairs intellectual or adaptive functioning.
- The disability must have originated from birth or during the developmental years (by age 18 for an intellectual disability, or by age 22 for a developmental disability).
DBHDD Medicaid Waivers- NOW & COMP
Services
- New Options Waiver or NOW - offers services and supports to individuals to enable them to remain living in their own family home and participate or live independently in the community.
- Comprehensive Waiver or COMP- serves individuals with more intensive needs and primarily provides residential care for individuals with I/DD.
- Both waivers provide additional support for people who want to live at home or in other kinds of community living arrangements.
- These services are designed to encourage and build on existing social networks and resources; promote integration into the community; and ensure safety.
How to Apply for the NOW or COMP Waiver
To begin the application process for developmental disability services through DBHDD, please complete the forms (provided below) and return to Region 5 Field Office either in person, by fax or mail.
DBHDD Region 5 Field Office
Website: https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/regional-field-offices
Location: 1915 Eisnehower Drive, Bldg 7, Savannah, GA 31406
Phone: 912-303-1649
DBHDD Paper Application for NOW and COMP Waiver
What Happens after Submitting a Completed Waiver Application to DBHDD Regional Office
- Application is turned in to the DBHDD Regional Office
- Pre-eligibility- Info is reviewed to ensure it is complete & accurate and the individual's pre-eligibility is determined by a psychologist
- Planning List-Individual or representative contacted by staff member of regional field office for next steps
- Funding and types of services are recommended based on individual's assessed need.
- Medicaid Eligibility- The GA Medical Care Foundation determines level of care and eligibility for funded services
- Individual Service Plan- A service plan identifying goals and services based on the individual's strengths, needs and interests is developed by the team.
- Service Begins- The individual begins receiving services per the Individual Service Plan.
For additional information or assistance, call Parent to Parent of Georgia.
If you feel overwhelmed, Parent to Parent of Georgia offers a variety of support services to Georgia families impacted by disabilities or special healthcare needs.
If you want to apply for the NOW COMP Waiver online, use the link below.
Let's Talk NOW/COMP Waivers: Waiver Selection
Juliet Hardeman