What is a Medicaid Waiver?

A Medicaid waiver helps people with disabilities get care at home or in their community instead of a nursing home. These waivers pay for services like:

• Help at home
   
• Day programs
   
• Personal care
   
• Respite (breaks for caregivers)
   
• Job support
   
• And more
   

We help you figure out which services your loved one can use — and how to make the most of every benefit.

CES stands for Children’s Extensive Support. This waiver helps children with significant disabilities who need a lot of help at home and in the community.

Who is it for?

• Children under 18
   
• Who live with their family
   
• Who have a developmental delay or disability
   
• Who need help with things like safety, behavior, or daily tasks

What services can CES help pay for?

• Help with bathing, eating, and dressing
   
• Help with behavior support
   
• Special equipment (like wheelchairs or lifts)
   
• Home safety modifications
   
• Respite care (so caregivers can take a break)
   
• Help with communication tools (like tablets for talking)

SLS stands for Supported Living Services. This waiver helps adults with developmental disabilities live more independently — in their own homes, with their families, or with support providers.

Who is it for?

• Adults 18 and older
   
• Who don’t need 24/7 care but still need support
   
• Who want to live in the community, not in a facility

What services can SLS help pay for?

• Help at home with cooking, cleaning, bathing, etc.
   
• Help with money and life skills
   
• Day programs and job coaching
   
• Transportation
   
• Respite care
   
• Personal emergency response systems
   
• Therapies (like speech or occupational)

HCBS-DD stands for Home and Community-Based Services for Persons with Developmental Disabilities. This is for people who need full-time care and support.

Who is it for?

• Adults with developmental disabilities
   
• Who need 24/7 care or supervision
   
• Who live in a host home or group homeAdd a description about this item

What services can HCBS-DD help pay for?

• Residential services (like host homes)
   
• 24/7 support and supervision
   
• Day programs
   
• Behavioral supports
   
• Transportation
   
• Nursing and medical monitoring
   
• Personal care