Applying for Medicaid Waivers

To apply for a BDDS waiver within the state of Indiana please follow the steps listed below.

Step 1. Completing the Waiver Application

To apply for BDDS services there are two options available.

The BDDS Gateway is an online application available 24/7 where individuals and families seeking may submit an application for services. The BDDS Gateway may be accessed at: Bddsgateway.fssa.in.gov.

To learn more about the BDDS Gateway and the online application process, review the resources below:

• Application instructions

• Video tutorial

• Applicant/Legal Representative Application submission procedure

• Gateway FAQ for individuals and families

A paper application (state form 55068) is available for download here. The form may be completed as a fillable pdf or handwritten. The form must be printed, signed and returned to the local BDDS office via fax, mail or in person delivery.

Step 2. The Intake Process

1. Once you have completed and returned the waiver application packet and all requested documents, an Intake Specialist from your local BDDS office will contact you to complete the assessment for a preliminary Level of Care (LOC) using the information and documents you provide. This part of the process determines Intellectual and/or Developmental Disability (I/DD) eligibility and preliminary Level of Care (LOC).

Step 3. Application Process Complete...Now What?

1. After the application process is complete and LOC is determined, you will be placed on the waiting list for waiver services.

2. While you are waiting for an open slot, you may:

   • Utilize Medicaid State Plan services, if eligible

   • Apply for Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI)

   • Apply for caregiver supports (respite) as they are available

   • Use natural supports for help (e.g. family members, church, neighbors, co-workers and friends)

   • Utilize the other resources, such as the Department of Education (if under age 22), the Indiana Centers for Independent Living Services and the Aging and Disability Resource Centers

3. Contact your local BDDS office immediately and annually to update your address or telephone number.

4. To better serve Individuals on the FSW waiting lists, DDRS has developed the BDDS Waitlist Web Portal. The Portal will allow you to review and update your contact information and to review the waiver application dates the BDDS has on record. Check the BDDS waiting list online.

Step 4. Beginning Waiver Services

1. DDRS will mail you a targeting letter when a waiver slot is available.

2. Once you have confirmed that you still want to receive services, an Intake Specialist will contact you and complete a current LOC. If you do not currently meet LOC, you will not be able to utilize the available waiver slot.

3. If Medicaid eligibility was previously denied, you will need to take your targeting letter to your local Division of Family Resources (DFR) to reapply.

Step 5. Choosing your Case Management Company (CMCO)

1. When you have been offered and have accepted a waiver slot, your local BDDS will provide you with a “Pick List,” or list of all certified CMCOs that offer services in your county. Your choice of CMCO is an important one, as the company you choose will be your partner and your guide as you navigate the complexities of the waiver system and help you to move along the path to a more self-determined life. You will have the opportunity to interview any or all companies, and to choose the one that you feel will best represent you.

2. To arrange to interview with an IPMG Case Management Professional to learn more about our services, you may call Customer Service at 866-672-4764, or email us.

3. To notify your local BDDS office that you have chosen IPMG to provide your case management services, you can fax your pick list directly to them. You can also fax it to us at 866-551-1963 and we will provide it to the BDDS office.

My Child Will be Graduating from High School. How Long is the Wait for Waiver Services?

The State of Indiana has reserved a portion of the waiver slots for Eligible Individuals age 18-24 with permanent separation from their educational setting. Qualified/eligible Individuals ages 18 through 24 who have aged out of, graduated from or have permanently separated from their school setting may be able to enter waiver services upon that separation if funded slots are available.

Priority access by reserve capacity category is made available as long as priority waiver slots in the reserve capacity category remain open. Once the priority waiver slots in the reserve capacity category are filled, Individuals meeting the priority access criteria will be placed on the waiting list. They will subsequently be tracked based on their need for a priority waiver slot and offered a waiver slot when:

• A newly available priority waiver slot for which they qualify becomes available.

• A non-priority waiver slot using the first come, first served criteria for waiver enrollment (date placed on the waiting list) becomes available and the applicant is the first person on the waiting list.

Source: http://www.in.gov/fssa/